Behavior of Cold-Formed Channels with a V-shape Web Stiffener Bending About the Asymmetrical Axis

The current Direct Strength Method (DSM) is calibrated on the CFS sections bending about the symmetrical axis. It is conservative for determining the ultimate strength of the members subjected to bending about the asymmetrical axis. Research was conducted for the latter, but the quantity was modest, mostly focusing on plain C sections. Thus, this article will investigate the behavior of cold-formed channels with an intermediate V-shape web stiffener subjected to bending about the asymmetrical axis. The program THIN-WALL-2 is used to solve the elastic buckling problems of a series of 81 cold-formed C200x80x20x2 sections with and without stiffeners. The discussions are centered around buckling modes, the signature curve, and the minimum buckling moment. The result of the simulation shows that the local buckling of the web governs the buckling of the whole section.