Prediction of the strength of bolted cold-formed channel sections in tension

This study is concentrated on the investigation of the shear lag effect on bolted cold-formed steel tension members. Channel sections with different dimensions tested by using bolted connections were discussed in this study. The comparisons were made between the test results and predictions computed based on several specifications. In order to study the stress distribution at the various locations of the cross-section of specimen, the finite-element software ANSYS was also utilized in this research. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the tension strengths of test specimens predicted by the AISC-Code [Load and resistance factor design specification for structural steel buildings, Chicago, IL, 1999], which takes into account the shear lag effect, provide good correlation with the test results for most specimens. The predictions according to AISI-Code [2001 Edition of the specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members. Washington DC, 2001] and AS/NZS 4600 Code [Cold-formed steel structures, AS/NZS 4600:1996, Australia, 1996] seem to be overestimated as comparing to the test results. It is also noted that there is a quite discrepancy between the test results and the values predicted by both British Standard [British Standard: structural use of steelwork in building—part 5, Code of practice for design of cold-formed thin gauge sections, London, 1998] and Holcomb Recommendation [Tensile and bearing capacities of bolted connections, Second Summary Report, Civil Engineering Study 95-1. University of Missouri-Rolla, 1995]. The equation proposed by this study provides good agreement with test results.