Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation of C-Shape Thin-Walled Steel Profile Joints

The versatility of steel, its high resistance in relation to its low mass, as well as the easily accessible technology in the context of using recyclable materials and the low negative impact on the environment represent important arguments in using thin-walled steel profiles to make structures for buildings with a low height regime. This paper presents the results of an experimental program that investigated the behavior of three types of joints in a T-shape form made of thin-walled steel profiles to make shear wall panels or truss beam floors. Due to the small dimensions of the C-profiles of 89 × 41 × 12 × 1 mm, and of the technology of their joining, manufacturers prefer the hinged connections of elements with self-drilling screws. The purpose of the research presented in this paper is to assess the maximum capacity of the joints, the elastic and post-elastic behavior until failure, and also the mechanisms failure. The types of joints analyzed are commonly used in the production of structural systems for houses. The experimental program, which consisted of testing 5 specimens for each type of joint in tension (shear on screws), showed different behavior in terms of load-displacement. The experimental, tested models were analyzed by finite element simulations in an ANSYS nonlinear static structure with 3D solid models. The materials were defined by a bilinear true stress–strain curve obtained after some experimental tensile tests of the steel. The results of the experimental tests showed that the main failure mechanism is a yielding of the holes where the screws were mounted and a shearing of the profile walls. Adding an additional screw on each side increases the capacity of the joints, but not until a yield loss is obtained. In conclusion, it is shown that the solution is suitable for a low level of loading in a static manner; however, additional studies are necessary in order to develop and verify other solutions, thus improving the strength of the connection.

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