Predicting rotational restraint provided to wall girts and roof purlins by through-fastened metal panels

This paper introduces mechanics-based expressions for predicting the rotational restraint provided by through-fastened metal panels to Z- and C-section girts or purlins. The analytical prediction equations include the effect of local panel deformation at a screw, and girt or purlin flange bending at a through-fastened connection. Finite element parameter studies are performed to quantify the local fastener pull-out stiffness for a common panel profile, and flange bending stiffness is determined with a cantilever beam model. Rotational restraint experiments are conducted to validate the prediction equations. The through-fastened connection stiffness is simulated in a finite strip elastic buckling analysis with a rotational spring to demonstrate how system effects can be included in design.