COMPUTATIONAL STUDY ON MOMENT-RESISTING CONNECTIONS IN COLD-FORMED STEEL STRUCTURES

The current need for economic structures with reduced environmental impact is vital for developing efficient sustainable modern infrastructure. Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) framing systems have gained significant recognition in the steel construction industry, thanks to the advantages of CFS as a lightweight structural material. Recent research has introduced an innovative CFS beam-to-column connection with a through-plate, demonstrating promising results in both strength and ductility. This study investigates CFS bolted moment-resistant connections using a finite element analysis (FEA) model, validated against prior analytical and experimental test results. The objective is to advance CFS construction by studying a connection model that employs a folded flange beam section, aim-ing to bridge the gap between research and industry. Moment-rotation curves and failure shapes are analysed to discuss the cyclic behaviour of this connection compared to conventional configura-tions. The seismic behaviour of the joints is further evaluated considering ductility and energy dissi-pation capacity. The findings confirm that the connection with the folded flange beam performs at a level similar to the connection with a curved flange, making it a feasible alternative for overcoming practical limitations.