Effect of connectors interaction in behaviour and ultimate strength of intermediate length cold formed steel open columns

This work aims to study the effect of connector interaction in behaviour and ultimate strength of intermediate length CFS open sections under axial compression. A stiffened channel section is considered for the study it included a total of 6 structural tests. Finite element models were developed using ANSYS including geometric and material non linearities. The numerical results were validated on the basis of the test results and both has good agreement with each other. An extensive parametric study on the influence of depth and spacing of connectors was carried out using this finite element procedure. The strength predicted by the finite element model and tested specimens of open sections were compared with the design strength calculated using the DSM-AISI 100:2007, AS/NZS: 4600-2005 and IS: 801-1975. Recommendations concerning the design of the section with connectors are given based on the results.