Abstract:
A finite element evaluation i nto the web crippling strength of cold-formed duplex EN1.4462 stainless steel lipped channels with circular web openings under end-two- flange (ETF) loading is presented in this study. The cases of web openi ngs located both centred and offset to the load bearing plates, are considered. In order to take i nto account the effect of the circular web opening s, a parametric study i nvolvi ng 730 finite element analyses was performed; from the results of the parametric study, strength reduction factor equations are determined. The strength reduction factor equations are first compared to equations recently proposed for cold -formed car bon steel lipped channels. It is demonstrated that the strength reduction factor equations proposed for cold -formed carbon steel are conservative for the duplex stainless steel grades by up to 7%. New strength reduction factor equations are then proposed t hat can be applied to ferritic stainless steel grades .