Simplified Analysis and Design of Cold-Formed Lipped Channels Subject to Combined Shear and Compression Loadings

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present new analytical expressions for lipped channels subject to combined shear and compressive loadings by accounting for rotational and lateral restraints. Very limited design guidelines are available to use in practice for channels subject to this load combination with partially restrained boundary conditions. North American codes provide expressions for the case of simply supported with free in-plane boundary conditions. The article also highlights the influence of flange and lip geometric properties on local web shear buckling stress. Results show an apparent decrease in critical shear stress when the channel longitudinal edges are fully restrained against lateral movement. The cost savings of the proposed design procedures are also highlighted.