Investigation of Screw Layout and Hole Geometry on Cold-Formed Steel Bending Performance Using Finite Element Model and Statistical Methods

The affordability, ease of manufacturing, and assembly efficiency of cold-formed steel profiles have contributed to their widespread use in structural applications. However, the presence of holes in these profile webs is likely to reduce their mechanical resistance. This study explores the bending behavior of a built-up box section constructed using lipped and unlipped C-profiles, which are commonly utilized in the construction industry. The investigation focuses on the influence of self-drilling screw layout density and hole distribution within the section. A total of 30 different models were analyzed, considering three primary variables: the spacing of self-drilling screws, hole diameter, and the number of holes. The steel profiles were connected using self-drilling screws with spacing intervals of 100, 200, and 400 mm. Key parameters, such as moment capacity, effects on elastic zones, shear forces on screws, and ductility, were examined in relation to these variables. The findings indicate that reducing screw spacing and increasing the number of holes are crucial design factors for improving joint strength. However, while greater screw spacing enhances ductility, it leads to lower plastic deformation rates. Additionally, optimizing the number of holes in the section proved to be an effective strategy for improving ductility in the analyzed models. Mathematical evaluation confirmed that hole number and screw spacing significantly affect moment capacity and estimation stability, highlighting the need for their joint optimization in structural design.