Experimental investigation of typical connections for fabricated cold-formed steel structures

This article presents a comparative investigation on mechanical behavior and construction characteristics of some typical connections in cold-formed thin-walled steel. The lap shear tests of 96 specimens considering four typical connections with a self-piercing rivet, clinching, self-drilling screw, and blind rivet were conducted. The effects of sheet thickness and thickness ratio on failure modes and mechanical behavior of the four types of connections were investigated. Through analyzing the feasibility of mechanic and construction, the applicability of the four types of connections in fabricated cold-formed steel structures was comprehensively evaluated. The result of the research shows that compared with the other three connections, self-piercing rivet connections are more suitable for modularly fabricated cold-formed steel structures because of its superior mechanical properties, well-formed quality, high efficiency, and potential industrialization. Based on the design methods of fasteners in North American (AISI S100-16) and European standards (prEN1999-1-4) on cold-formed steel structures, an appropriate design method is proposed for self-piercing riveting connections.