Structural behaviour and design of cold-formed steel floor systems

This thesis investigated the complex structural behaviour of unlipped channel section bearers used in cold-formed steel floor systems. Using both experimental and numerical studies, web critical failure modes of a range of unlipped channels fastened to their supports were first investigated, followed by the failures caused by combined actions of web crippling, bending and torsion with increasing spans and the effects of connection stiffness on the behaviour. New design methods were then developed to predict the ultimate capacities of unlipped channels under isolated and combined actions. This research will thus enhance the safety and cost-efficiency of cold-formed steel floor systems