IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF LIGHT GAUGE COLD FORMED STEEL

MEMBERS : COMPARISON OF IS CODE AND EURO CODE

A Jayaraman1, S Athibaranan2, A Mohanraj3

1
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathamangalam-
638401, India, Tamilnadu
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathamangalam-
638401, India, Tamilnadu
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathamangalam-
638401, India, Tamilnadu

Abstract
Light – gauge steel evolved as a building material in the 1930’s and reached large scale usage only after the Second World War.
In comparison with conventional steel construction, where standard hot rolled shapes are used, the cold formed light gauge steel
structures are relatively new development. This paper presents a study on behaviour and economical of cold formed steel (CFS)
built up channel section using different codes. This paper provides an experimental investigation for the bending strength of Cold
– Formed light gauge steel plain (stiffened) rectangular sections. The test specimens were brake pressed from high strength
structural steel sheets. In addition, the test strengths were compared with the design strengths calculated using the Indian
Standard and Euro codes Specification for Cold –Formed steel structures. Flexural members are linear members in which axial
forces act to cause elongation (stretch). The theoretical data are calculated using Indian Standard code IS 801-1975 and the
section properties of the specimens are obtained using IS 811-1975. The specimens are designed under uniformly distributed
loading with simply supported condition. The research project aims to provide which code of practice given more economical,
high bending strength, more load carrying capacity and high flexural strength. The studies reveal that the theoretical
investigations limit state methods (SI method) have high bending strength, high load caring capacity, maximum deflection and
minimum local buckling& distortional buckling compare to the other codes.

Keywords: Cold formed steel, built up channel section, limit state method, working stress method, bending strength,
deflection
--------------------------------------------------------------------***------------------------------------------------------------------

1. INTRODUCTION same cross sectional area. But theoretical investigations are

accuracy result (1). T he steel sheets or strips used for light
The light gauge steel members are defined structural gauge steel members conform to IS: 1079- 1973 is 232
members cold formed of shapes in cold –rolling machines or N/mm2 and the ultimate strength is 390N /mm2. Factor –
press brakes or bending brake operations from carbon or low Design (L.R.F.D.) methods has been successfully applied to
– alloy steel sheets or strips or flats. The thickness of such the design of hot-rolled steel sections and cold – Formed
members usually range from 0.378mm to about 6.35mm, steel members in the United States and other countries.
even though steel plates as thick as 25 .4mm may be cold L.R.F.D. method is used for the design of Cold – Formed
formed into structural shapes. These thin steel sections are steel structural members and connections. The design of
called cold formed as their manufacturing process of Cold – Formed steel section is done by using I.S. 801-1975.
forming steel sections remains in a cold state .these are also This results in uneconomic design because in W.S.M. full
know as cold rolled steel sections against hot rolled steel section is not utilized. So to utilize the full cross – section of
sections. The light gauge steel members are formed in the section and to maintain economy, it is required to revise
various shapes because of ease in their manufacture. The Indian Standard Code and also in S.I. System (2). the Direct
various shapes of cross sections are designed to use the Strength method provides the best test-to-predicted ratio for
material effectively and to simply and speed up construction both slender and unslender specimens. The test results
operations. The cross section of the light gauge steel demonstrate that many improvements in the elastic buckling
members varies with its application. The theoretical and effective width calculation of Cs and Zs are still
investigations of channel section have high bending possible. The authors intend to pursue additional testing and
strength, high load caring capacity, minimum deflection and analysis to determine the distortional buckling capacity of
minimum local buckling & distortional buckling compare Cs and Zs as well as more closely define the role of
to the built up channel section by same cross sectional area. fasteners and other details Light gauge steel sections are
The numerical investigation of channel section is the also known as cold formed steel sections. The thickness of
maximum bending moment, torsional moment and the sheet used is generally between 1mm and 8mm. These
deformation is higher than the built up channel section by
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types of sections are extensively used in the building 3mm thick Stiffener/Packing plate failure are due to rupture
industry, as purlins girts, light struts roof sheeting, and floor and for 4mm thick Stiffener/packing plate the failure is due
decking. These sections become economical for light loads to vertical shear failure along the line of vertical connection.
and to form useful surfaces such as roof covering, wall With use of 5 mm thick Stiffener/packing plates the failure
panels. Load carrying capacity should decreases with is due to block shear failure (4). Various types of section may
increase in Length and Width to thickness (W/t) ratio. Due be manufactured using light gauge steel. They includes
to minimum thickness of cold rolled steel, considering the angles, channel with and without lips, hat section lipped Z
Local, torsional & distortional buckling characteristics for Section etc.. Cold Formed steel product such as Z-purlin
its behaviour study most of the failures occurs at 1/3 has been commonly used in metal building industry more
distance for 1, 1.2mm elements & at centre for 1.6, 2mm than 40 year in unites state due to their wide range of
elements. The experimental investigation 2mm thick cold application, economy, ease of fabrication and high strength-
formed steel “Long column with Web Stiffened” is to-weight ratios. Z- Purlins are predominantly used in light
preferable for “C Section”(3) These sections are load and medium span situations such as roof systems (5).
manufactured primarily by two processes. Cold rolling is Channels may be used as compression or flexural members.
used to produce more number of sections having longer Hat section and Z section are used as flexural members.
length whereas press breaking is used to produce a small Hollow rectangular section used for variety of sections.
number of sections having shorter length. As the thickness Built up I section using Light gauge steel with lower H/t
of the light gauge section increases the variation in increase aspect ratio behaves significantly showing elastic and plastic
of joint strength reduces for various thicknesses of deformation both. With increment in H/t aspect ratio this
Stiffener/packing plates. For 1.2mm thick channel section it behaviour changes and shows failure in elastic zone (6).
is observed that all failures are due to rupture with 3 bolts
connection, and also for 1.5mm thick channel section up to

1.1 Types of Cold-Formed Steel Sections

Typical forms of sections for cold formed structural members

Closed built up sections

Open built up sections

Single open sections

Profiled sheets and linear trays sections

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Advantages in Building Constructions thermal 12 x 10-6

 As compared with thicker hot‐rolled shapes,
CO efficient of
expansion (α )
cold‐formed light members can be manufactured for

 Unusual sectional configurations can be produced

relatively light loads and/or short spans; 3.1.2 Light gauge steel physical properties: The rolled
steel sheet is used. The physical properties of light gauge
economically by cold forming operations, and steel section given in Table 2.The properties taken from the
consequently favorable strength‐to‐weight ratios can euro code

 Nest able sections can be produced, allowing for

be obtained; Table 2. Physical properties light gauge steel section
Yield strength 350 N / mm2

 Load carrying panel and decks can provide useful

compact packaging and shipping; Modulus of elasticity ,E 2.1 x 105 N / mm2
Poisson ratio 0.3
surface for floor, roof, and wall construction, and in
other cases they can also provide enclosed cells for Modulus of rigidity , G 0.769 x 10 5 N / mm2
electrical and other conduits; CO efficient of thermal 12 x 10-6
 Load‐carrying panels and decks not only withstand expansion (α )
loads normal to their surfaces, but they can also act as
shear diaphragms to resist force in their own panels if 3.1.2 Light gauge steel built up channel section
they are adequately interconnected to each other and to properties: The rolled steel sheet is used. The built up
supporting members. channel sectional properties of light gauge steel section
(given in Table 3) the properties taken from the Indian
1.2 Advantages of using Cold-Formed Steel Standard code IS 811-2007

Sections


Lightness;


High strength and stiffness;


Ability to provide long spans;


Easy prefabrication and mass production;


Fast and easy erection and installation;


Substantial elimination of delay due to the weather;
Non‐ shrinking and non‐ creeping at ambient


temperatures;


Form work unneeded;


Termite‐ proof and rat‐ proof;


Uniform quality;


Economy in transportation and handling;


Non combustibility;
Recyclable material.

2. AIM OF THE STUDY Table 3 Properties of light gauge steel built up Channel
The main aim of the study provides which code of practice section
is most economical, high bending strength, more load Area 2280mm2
carrying capacity and high flexural strength by analysis of Elastic Section modulus 74.1 x103
theoretical investigation. Moment of inertia of section 18.5 x106 mm4
xx direction (Ixx)
3. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION Moment of inertia of section 916 x 106
3.1 Materials yy direction (Iyy)
Radius of gyration (rx) 90mm
3.1.1 Light gauge steel physical properties: The rolled Radius of gyration (ry) 16.5mm
steel sheet is used. The physical properties of light gauge
steel section given in Table 1.The properties taken from the
Indian Standard code IS 800-2007 3.2 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel
Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) using SI
Table 1 Physical properties light gauge steel section
Density of steel ( ᵨ ) 7850 kg / m3 Method (Limit State Method)
3.2.1 Slenderness ratio (λ): The Slenderness ratio value is
5 2
Modulus of elasticity ,E 2 x 10 N / mm
Poisson ratio 0.3 given in table 4
Slenderness ratio (λ)
Modulus of rigidity , G 0.769 x 10 5 N / mm2 �
= � ( )

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Table 4. Slenderness ratio 3.2.7 Combined bending and shear stress in webs: fbw’ =
Effectivelength (mm) Slenderness ratio (λ) 0.6
y−t
= 4335 N / mm2
1000 60.60
2000 121.21 3525000
3.2.8 Bending and shear stress in webs: fbw = =
3000 181.81 2
4000 242.42 579.39 N/mm².
5000 303.03 4355 N/mm² ˃ 133.6 N/mm². Hence safe
in bending stress
The slenderness ratio for flexural member as per IS Code
provide 300 mm for compression flange of a beam against 3.2.9 Check for deflection of channel section ( 250mm x
lateral torsional buckling ,so in this built up channel section 100mm x6.30mm)
( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) mm using construction up to The actual deflection (Δ) and Permissible deflection is
5m only SI Method (limit state method) and IS method given in table 5.
(working stress method) 5 l4
Actual deflection (Δ) = 384 ��
3.2.2 Bending Moment (BM) of channel section ( 250mm Permissible deflection =
325
x 100mm x6.30mm) Maximum Bending Moment = 0.6
x fy x Zxx Table 5. Deflection
M = 10.4 KNm Effectivelength Actual Permissibl
fy = yield stress in cold form steel (mm) Deflectio e
Zxx = section modulus channel section n ( Δ) deflection
(mm) (Δ) (mm)
3.2.3 Load caring capacity (p) of channel section 1000 0.44 3.07
( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) Bending 2000 7.05 6.15
W 2
Moment = 3000 35.72 9.230
8
Maximum Load (p) = 125.37 kN / m 4000 112.94 12.30
5000 275.68 15.38
3.2.4 Moment of resistance of channel section ( 250mm x
100mm x6.30mm) Moment of resistance (MR) = Fb 3.3 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel
x Zxx
Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) using IS
Fb =
2 fy 2 Method (Woking Stress Method)
3
− 5.4 π2 � (�)
2
Fb = 143.28.16N / mm
Moment of resistance (MR) = 16.03 x 106Nmm
Fb = basic design stress
E = young’s modulus of steel
Cb = bending coefficient

3.2.5 Shear capacity of channel section ( 250mm x

100mm x6.30mm) Maximum shear =
2
= 62.68 kN / m
Maximum average shear stress = = 39.8 N / mm2
2

3.2.6 Allowable stresses in web of beam

Shear stresses in webs – The maximum average shear
stresses (Fv), on the gross area of a flat web shall not exceed
(0.4 x fy)
1425
For < √ 3.3.1 Bending Moment (BM) of built up channel section
396 √ ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm)
Fv = = 77.82 N / Maximum Bending Moment = 0.6 x fy x Zxx
mm 2 M = 10.4 KNm
= 78
3.3.2 Load caring capacity (p) of channel section
1425
= 92.95 ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm)
√
W 2
Fv = 77.82 N / mm2> 10.42 Bending Moment = 8
N / mm2 Hence Safe in shear Maximum Load (p) = 83.58 kN / m

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3.3.3 Moment of resistance of channel section ( 250mm x 3.4 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel
100mm x6.30mm)
Moment of resistance (MR) = Fb x Zxx Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) using Euro
Fb = Code Method
2 fy 2
− � (�)
3 5.4 π2
Fb = 154.16N / mm2
Moment of resistance (MR) = 10.4 x 106 Nmm

3.3.4 Shear capacity of channel section ( 250mm x

100mm x6.30mm)
Maximum shear = 2 = 41 .79 kN / m
Maximum average shear stress = = 26.53 N / mm2
2

3.3.5 Allowable stresses in web of beam

Shear stresses in webs – The maximum average shear
stresses (Fv), on the gross area of a flat web shall not exceed
(0.4 x fy)
1425
For <
√
1275 √
Fv = = 195.2 N /mm2

= 78
4590
√
= 38.65
Fv = 195.2 N / mm2> 26.53
2
N / mm Hence Safe in shear

3.3.6 Combined bending and shear stress in webs: fbw’ =

3636000
= 607.56 N / mm2
2
3.4.1 Load caring capacity (p) of channel section
3656000
( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm)
3.3.7 Bending and shear stress in webs: fbw = = qd = �u x qu + �q x qs
2
Where,
6109.04 N/mm² qd = total dead load
6109.04 N/mm².> 607.56 N / mm2 hence working stress
�u , �q = partial safety factor
method is uneconomical in bending stress qu = self weight of beam
qs= span length
3.3.8 Check for deflection of built up channel section qd = 1.35 x 8.97 + 1.50 x 3 = 18.53 kN/m
( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) in working stress method
(IS) 3.3.3 Moment of resistance of built up channel section
The actual deflection (Δ) and Permissible deflection is given
( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm)
in table 6.
5 l4
Moment of resistance (MR) = fy x Zxx / �mo
Actual deflection (Δ) = Moment of resistance (MR) = 11.34 x 106 Nmm
384 ��
Permissible deflection = 325
4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
Table 6. Deflection Overall three codes were designed and comparison of all the
Effectivelength Actual Permissibl internal force, and hence, to evaluate the co-existing
(mm) Deflectio e moments and shear forces at the critical cross-section with
n ( Δ) deflection same configuration area by keeping all other parameters
(mm) (Δ) (mm) constant. The working stress method calculated using Indian
1000 0.293 3.07 Standard code IS 801-1975 recommended. The theoretical
2000 4.70 6.15 results the working stress method, the built up channel
3000 23.82 9.230 section the load caring capacity, moment resistance and
deflection is 41.79 %, 35.12 % and 33.40 % lower value
4000 75.29 12.30
compare than the limit state method built up channel section
5000 183.82 15.38 and 77.44% of load caring capacity is higher compare than
the Euro codes. Also 54.03 % of moment resistance is lower
than the Euro codes and 77.29 % of deflection is less
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compare than the Euro codes . Slenderness ratio same for codes. The theoretical investigations of code of practice
all the codes. Allowable stress same for all condition. Euro given figure below.
code provides low value of deflection compare to Indian

4.1 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) the code of Practice,
Load Caring Capacity given below

Load Carring Capacity

140
Loading conditon in KN /m

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
L.S.M W.S.M E.R.C
Series1 125.37 83.58 18.85
CODES

Fig.1 comparison of code of practice theoretical design value load caring capacity of built up channel section

The code of pratice of load caring capacity SI method (limit state design ) is more then the other two methods

4.2 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) the Code of Practice,
Moment of Resistance given below

18
MOMENT OF RESITATNCE IN KNM

16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
L.S.M (SI) W.S.M (IS) EURO CODE
Series1 16.03 10.4 11.34
CODES

Fig .2 comparison of code of practice theoretical design value moment of resistance of built up channel section

SI method is higher moment of resistance compare to other two indian method methods

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4.3 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) the Code of Practice,
Deflection given below

300

250

200
Deflection in mm

150

L.S.M (SI)
100 W.S.M (IS)
EURO CODE
50

0
1m 2m 3m 4m 5m
L.S.M (SI) 0.44 7.5 35.75 112.94 275.68
W.S.M (IS) 0.293 4.7 23.82 75.29 183.82
EURO CODE 1.33 2.325 4.236 10.285 18.598
Span in m

Fig.3 comparison of code of practice theoretical design value deflection of built up channel section

Euro code is lower deflection compare to other two indian method methods

4.4 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) the Code of Practice,
Bending Stress given below

Bending stress in Web in N/mm2

700
Bending stress in N/mm2

600
500
400
300
200
100
0
L.S.M (SI) W.S.M (IS) EURO CODE
Series1 579.38 610.9 361
codes

Fig .4 comparison of code of practice theoretical design value bending stress in web built up channel section

Euro code is lower bending stress compare to other two indian method methods
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4.5 Theoretical Investigations of Built Up Channel Section ( 250mm x 100mm x6.30mm) the Code of Practice,
Shear Stress in Web given below

Shear Stress in Web in N/mm2

250
Shear Stress In Web In N/mm2

200

150

100
Series1

50

0
L.S.M (SI) W.S.M (IS) EURO CODE
Series1 77.82 195 189
CODES

Fig .5 comparison of code of practice theoretical design value shear stress in web built up channel section

SI method (limit state design) is lower bending stress compare to other two method methods

5. CONCLUSION Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN:

2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308
The theoretical results the working stress method, the built [3] M. Meiyalagan , M.Anbarasu and
up channel section the load caring capacity, moment Dr.S.Sukumar.(2010) “Investigation on Cold formed
resistance and deflection is 41.79 %, 35.12 % and 33.40 % C section Long Column with Intermediate Stiffener
lower value compare than the limit state method built up & Corner Lips – Under Axial Compression.”
channel section and 77.44% of load caring capacity is higher International journal of applied engineering research,
compare than the Euro codes & 54.03 % of moment dindigul , Volume 1, No1, 2010
resistance is lower than the Euro codes and 77.29 % of [4] V.M.Vaghe, S.L.Belgaonkar, A.S.Kharade and
deflection is less compare than the Euro codes. Slenderness A.S.Bhosale ( 2013) “Experimental Study on
ratio same for all the codes. Allowable stress same for all Connections, By Using Light Gauge Channel
condition. Euro code provides low value of deflection Sections and Packing Plates/Stiffener Plate at the
compare to Indian codes. The theoretical investigations of Joints.”International Journal of Engineering and
code of practice given figure below. The studies reveal that Innovative Technology (IJEIT) Volume 2, Issue 7,
the theoretical investigations limit state methods (SI January 2013.
method) have high bending strength, high load caring [5] Sunil. M.Hardwani, A.V.Patil (2012) “Study, test
capacity, maximum deflection and minimum local and designing of cold formed section as per AISI
buckling& distortional buckling compare to the other codes. code.” Int. Journal of Applied Sciences and
Engineering Research, Vol. 1, Issue 3, 2012.
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IJRET: International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology eISSN: 2319-1163 | pISSN: 2321-7308

[8] I.S. 811: 1987, “Indian Standard Specification for

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Delhi.

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