Interaction of Web Stiffener and Web Perforation in Local Buckling of Cold‐formed Steel Lipped Channel Columns

Abstract Local buckling of the Cold‐formed Steel (CFS) columns is highly influenced by the presence of patterned web perforations. The provision of a web stiffener to the CFS columns enhances the local buckling capacity by improving the post‐buckling reserve strength. This article deals with the study of the influence of orientation and spacing of the patterned web perforation on the local buckling of web‐stiffened CFS lipped channel columns. The experimental test results from the ongoing research were utilized to validate finite element (FE) models and extend to a parametric numerical study. The columns were subjected to concentric compression loads with fixed support conditions in which perforation orientation and spacing of web perforation were focused. A wide range of web‐to‐flange ratios and non‐dimensional local buckling slenderness ratios of lipped channel were included in the study. The existing design strength prediction curves, such as the Direct Strength Method (DSM) and Modified Direct Strength Method (MDSM), were examined for the web stiffened and web perforated lipped channels. The crucial requirement of further improved design equations is highlighted.