Compression Tests of Fixed Ended CFS Members with Improved Connectors

In the compression tests of cold-formed steel (CFS) members, fixed end supports are commonly simulated by fixing the test specimens to end plates by either welding or casting them with high strength adhesives. This is costly, time consuming and takes much effort to ensure that the axial compression loading is applied correctly. Some past research studies have used clamping connectors for this purpose, but had many limitations relating to their flexibility in use and restraining capacity. This research study has used an improved clamping connector system to provide fixed end support conditions in the compression tests of CFS members, which can be easily adjusted to suit different CFS sections. A series of compression tests using the new clamping connector system was conducted on single channels, built-up back-to-back channels and nested (box) channels with their lengths in the range of 0.6 to 3.0 m. Test results were then analyzed and compared with corresponding finite element analyses based on ideal fixed end support conditions. Comparison of results showed the suitability of the new clamping connector system to simulate fixed end supports.The authors would like to thank QUT, Australian Research Council (Grant Number LP170100951), National Association of Steel Framed Housing (NASH) and Stoddart Group for providing financial support, research facilities and test materials, and Banyo Laboratory Technical staff for their assistance during the tests. The first author appreciates the assistance of Mr. Ngoc Hieu Pham and Mr. Dang Khoa Phan from the University of Sydney, and Mr. Thananjayan Sivaprakasam from QUT in relation to screw shear tests and nonlinear FE analyses