FE Parametric Study of Composite Cold-Formed Steel Beams Under Positive and Negative Loadings

Composite structures are increasingly being utilized in modern construction. This computational analysis focuses on the structural performance of composite beams formed by thin-walled, cold-formed steel channel sections strengthened with concrete. The primary objective of this research was to enhance the strength and stability of composite cold-formed steel beams. In this study, back-to-back C-channel sections and concrete slabs with various stiffener configurations were analyzed. The key parameters considered include stiffener spacing, type, and thickness. Additionally, different beam cross-sections, such as C-channel and sigma sections, were investigated. A finite element analysis was conducted using the ABAQUS program, incorporating both geometric and material nonlinearities. The developed models were validated against experimental results from previous research and existing design guidelines. Three beam specimens were examined in this study to assess their structural behavior under static loading conditions. A novel aspect of this research is the investigation of composite cold-formed steel beams under a combination of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and negative moment effects. The load–deflection behavior of all beam specimens was analyzed, considering variations in cross-sectional dimensions and span lengths. Additionally, the study highlights key material properties, including the maximum compressive strength of concrete, the yield strength of cold-formed steel channels, and the cross-sectional area of the steel components for each beam specimen. This research provides valuable insights for structural engineers, contributing to the optimization of composite cold-formed steel beam design for enhanced performance in practical applications.