A Numerical Investigation on Cold-Formed Steel Bulit-up Back-to-Back Channel Stub Columns

This paper aims to investigate the compressive capacity and buckling behavior of cold-formed steel built-up back-to-back channels stub columns using the finite element method. Commercial finite element software, LUSAS version 14, is used in this study. LUSAS was chosen because it offers the geometric nonlinear and material nonlinear capabilities. The model was verified against experimental data and yielded good predictions on the behavior and ultimate capacity of the test specimens. The current North American design guidelines for cold-formed steel were assessed using the available experimental and numerical data. It is demonstrated that the effective width method better predicts the behavior of cold-formed steel stub column than the direct strength method