Simplified Strength Prediction for Cold‐Formed C‐ and Z‐Shapes

Abstract

Although cold‐formed steel C‐ and Z‐shaped members possess a very favorable strength‐to‐weight ratio, are easily fabricated and erected, and offer a cost‐effective structural design solution, they can be highly susceptible to local buckling. To adequately address the impact of the local buckling limit state, a complex, time‐consuming design office effort may be required. Therefore, to facilitate the design of such shapes, a study was conducted that focused on developing relatively simple, easy‐to‐apply design guidelines. The design guidelines address the behavior of cold‐formed steel C‐ and Z‐shaped members when used as either a flexural member or a compression member. Both edge‐stiffened and unstiffened compression elements are considered by the design guidelines. The design guidelines are unique in that they employ the concept of applying strength‐reduction factors to either the bending strength or the axial compression strength. All strength computations use the full cross‐section areas.