Axial load capacity of cold-formed steel built-up stub columns

This paper aims to investigate the axial load capacity of innovative cold-formed steel (CFS) built-up stub columns. Four innovative CFS built up section is presented in this paper. Each section is composed of combination of more than two elements as follows: channels, channels with lip, Sigma section and/or plates. The elements of each section are assembled together by using self tapping screws. The concentric axial load capacity of each of the four sections was investigated numerically by using finite element (FE) model using ABAQUS program. The FE model was verified against previous test data. The FE model was used to study different parameters that affect the load capacities of the innovative CFS built-up stub columns, these parameters are: columns profile, steel thickness, steel grade and longitudinal spacing between screws (fasteners), cross sectional area. The axial load capacities obtained from FE models are compared with the perdition of the Effective width (EW) method (available in Eurocode, Egyptian code, American and Australian standards) and direct strength (DS) method (Available in American and Australian standards).