LAUSR

Abstract Presented in this paper are results obtained from experimental and numerical investigations on the axial behavior of cold-formed thin-walled steel channel columns with complex edge stiffeners, which are referred to as G-section columns. In the experimental investigation, a total of 36 G-section columns, with and without perforations, were tested under pin-ended boundary conditions, and their structural behavior was described. In these tests, the perforations were found to affect the ultimate strength and deformed shape of the G-section columns. In the numerical investigation, finite element models for G-section columns with and without perforations were developed with use of ABAQUS. The models were validated based on the test results. The calibrated finite element model was subsequently adopted for an extensive parametric study by varying the dimensions and locations of perforations. The numerical results indicated that increasing the perforation dimension resulted in a greater reduction on the column ultimate strength than changing the perforation location. But the location of the perforation could affect the deformed shape of the column significantly. Based on the results obtained from the parametric analysis, it is recommended that the spacing of circular holes is between three and six times the nominal diameter of the hole for engineering practice.