Thin-Walled Cross-Sections and their Joints: Tests and FEM-Modelling

Abstract

This summary report is based on the experimental and numerical research of thin-walled cross-section’s compression resistance and shear strength of their joints carried out in St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University and HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Sheet Metal Centre. Current situation on Russian market concerning the usage of cold-formed thin-walled cross-sections is aimed to find out a base foundation to start up a stipulation of the elements under discussion in the building industry (Kolesov et al. 2007; Peleshko, Urchenko 2009; Zhmarin 2012). Some questions about the compression resistance of such cross-sections were raised on different conferences (Vatin, Sinelnikov 2013; Winter 1952; Yu Wei-Wen et al. 1996) by scientific community and by companies such as Rautaruukki Oyj (Finland). Steel galvanized C-and U-profiles and thermo-profiles are types of thin-walled cross-sections that are normally used in small houses construction (Shatov 2011; Smaznov 2011). Thermo-profiles have slots in web that decrease the thermal flow through the web, but have a negative effect on strength of the profiles (Schafer, Pekoz 1998; Vatin, Popova 2006). These profiles were an object of the research. Investigations carried out included tests to prove the compression resistance of the thin-walled cross-sections and shear strength of stud-to-rack joints. Numerical modelling of thin-walled cross-sections (Cheng, Schafer 2007) was done with contemporary analysis software (SCAD Office, Lira) (Kriksunov et al. 2010; Perel'muter et al. 2009) using the finite element method (FEM) (Bayan et al. 2011; Gordeeva, Vatin 2011; Rasmussen 2009).