Analysis of cold-formed purlins with slotted sleeve connections

In multi-span purlin design, it is customary to assume beam continuity, avoiding joint analysis. This analysis is safe when employing full strength and stiffness connection. There are two usual joint typologies: overlapping and sleeve connections. The main advantage of sleeve joints is reduction of cost and time in the assembly process. Overlapping joints can be correctly designed selecting the overlap length to depth ratio, for a wide range of Z-shaped profiles. In this paper, a partial strength and stiffness Z profile sleeve joint is experimentally and numerically analyzed, studying their structural behavior and characterizing their rotational stiffness and strength.