Web Crippling Strength of Cold‐Formed Steel Beams

Abstract

The structural behavior of high‐strength cold‐formed steel beams subjected primarily to web crippling is investigated analytically and experimentally. Hat sections and I‐beams, formed from five different types of high‐strength sheet steels, are investigated under various loading conditions. In addition to the test data gathered in this phase of study, the experimental results obtained from the beam tests conducted at various companies are carefully evaluated. The evaluation indicates that the present available design criteria are not suitable for high‐strength materials with yield strengths exceeding 80 ksi (552 MPa). New design formulas are derived for different types of loading conditions on the basis of available test data with material yield strengths ranging from 30 to 165 ksi (207 to 1,138 MPa). These empirical equations distinguish between web crippling failure caused by overstressing (bearing failure) and web buckling. Interaction formulas are derived for sections under combined web crippling and bending moment. The newly proposed design equations are verified by test results.