Finite element analysis of web crippling behavior of cold-formed steel members: modeling recommendations based on a review of best practices

Large depth-to-thickness ratios of cold-formed steel (CFS) member webs can cause web crippling instabilities, which can be the critical limit state in design. Modern design standards contain provisions for web crippling strength calculations of the most common CFS members used in North American construction. However, for members outside of the standards, physical testing has historically been required to assess their web crippling capacity. Multiple publications describing successful applications of fnite element (FE) analysis for simulating the web crippling behavior of CFS members indicate that FE analysis is a viable alternative for physical testing when appropriate FE modeling techniques are used. The presented study proposes recommendations for FE modeling of web crippling of various CFS member types, including those with web perforations and longitudinal web stiffeners, based on an extensive literature review and identifed best practices. The recommendations address all aspects of the modeling and analysis, such as analysis type, element type, mesh density, material modeling, boundary conditions, loading, and others.

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