Beam-Column Connections Behavior of Cold-Formed Steel Members: New Experimental Configuration

The main purpose of this paper is to study the structural behavior of cold-formed steel connections. Five specimens of cold-formed beam to column connections are studied. The beams are connected to the columns by using two different shapes of gusset plates and self-drilling screws. Experimental tests on these cold-formed connections are carried out to obtain their ultimate capacities. A numerical analysis is performed on the same tested specimens and the finite element model is verified. The ultimate loads obtained from the numerical analysis as well as the load-strain curves and buckling modes are compared with those obtained from the experimental tests and are found to be in good agreement. The finite element model well predicts the stress and deflection values, as well as the buckling modes of the specimens. Some recommendations are concluded to help researchers and designers choose the optimum type of beam to column connection.