AISI LRFD Method for Cold‐Formed Steel Structural Members

Abstract

In the design of steel buildings, the allowable stress design (ASD) method has long been used for cold‐formed steel structural members in the United States. Recently, the load and resistance factor design (LRFD) criteria have been developed for steel buildings using hot‐rolled shapes and built‐up members fabricated from steel plates. In order to develop load and resistance factor design (LRFD) criteria for cold‐formed steel structural members, a joint research project is conducted at the University of Missouri‐Rolla, Washington University, and the University of Minnesota under the sponsorship of the American Iron and Steel Institute. Based on the 1986 edition of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) ASD specification, the LRFD specification for cold‐formed steel structural members with commentary is prepared for consideration of the American Iron and Steel Institute. The background information for developing the proposed design criteria for structural members is discussed in this paper.