Numerical Investigation into Buckling Behavior of Cold-Formed Purlin

The aim of this chapter is to evaluate the moment capacities of the partially restrained cold-formed purlin subjected to uniformly distributed transverse uplift loading. A linear and non-linear finite element model is used to investigate the buckling behavior of purlins in the purlin sheeting system. The effect of translational and rotational restraint provided by sheeting to the purlin is taken into account by using two equivalent spring in the numerical model. Available experimental results from the literature are used to validate the finite element analysis. The moment capacities obtained from the numerical investigation are compared with current cold-formed design specifications. The comparison of moment capacities shows that current design provisions are over-conservative to predict buckling strength.