Numerical and theoretical investigation on composite cold-formed steel joints with lightweight concrete

Abstract

This research intends to investigate behaviour of composite cold-formed steel joint numerically through finite element analysis by using ABAQUS and theoretically by referring to BS 5950-1:2000 and Green book P213 “Joint in Steel Construction-Composite Connection”. A composite joint is modelled by combination of composite beam and steel column with connection of HRS gusset plate and M12 bolts. The significant failure mode is local buckling in CFS column web which similar in experimental study, FEM numerical simulation and theoretical component calculation. The behaviour of the cold-formed steel composite joint will be expressed in moment-rotational and load-deflection relationship to determine the initial rotational stiffness and ultimate moment resistance. The findings from numerical and theoretical investigations are compared with the full-scale experimental study in three different thicknesses of gusset plate. A correlation in stiffness ratio and strength ratio are obtained in the range of 1.76 to 2.25, and 1.00 to 1.60 respectively indicating that the numerical modelling tends to underpredict the behaviour of the composite structures.