Finite element analysis of cold-formed channel columns

The paper presents a numerical investigation into the behaviour and strengths of cold-formed plain and lipped channel columns using finite element analysis. A non-linear finite element model is developed and verified against the fixed-ended channel column tests conducted by Young and Rasmussen (1998a, 1998b and 1998c). Geometric and material non-linearities were included in the finite element model. It is demonstrated that the finite element model closely predicted the ultimate loads and the behaviour of the tested cold-formed channel columns. Hence, the model was used for an extensive parametric study of cross-section geometries. Furthermore, the results of the numerical investigation are compared with the design column strengths calculated using the Australian/New Zealand (1996), American (1996) and European (1996) specifications for cold-formed steel structures. It is shown that the design column strengths calculated from the three specifications are generally conservative for plain and lipped channels having maximum plate thickness of 6.0 mm.