Comparative Study Between the Stiffened Cold Formed Section and Hot Rolled Section Under Combined Loading

<p><span lang="EN-US">This study presents a comparative analysis of stiffened cold-formed steel (CFS) sections and hot-rolled steel (HRS) sections in structural applications. Cold-formed steel sections are widely used due to their lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, and ease of fabrication. However, their susceptibility to buckling and deformation necessitates additional stiffening measures. This research evaluates the impact of different stiffener configurations, including solid rods, hollow rods, and plates, on the strength and stability of CFS sections. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted using FEM software to assess the deformation, stress distribution, and failure mechanisms under four-point bending loads. Results indicate that unstiffened CFS sections exhibit higher deflections, while plate-stiffened CFS sections significantly reduce deformation and enhance load-carrying capacity. Compared to HRS sections, stiffened CFS sections demonstrate improved performance, making them viable alternatives for structural applications. The study concludes that incorporating appropriate stiffeners in CFS sections optimizes their structural efficiency and reliability. Future research should focus on experimental validation and the development of advanced stiffener designs for enhanced performance in real-world applications.</span></p>