Development of the Numerical Model for Determining the Strength of High-profiled Sheets

Abstract

High-profiled sheets (HPS) are widely used in the construction of numerous building structures. The constant development of new forms of sheet profiling in order to optimize these elements compelled the designers to determine their strength, which is a complex process, especially if traditional analytical methods are used. On the other hand, the Finite Element Method (FEM) represents a good alternative to analytical calculations and experimental testing that require significant financial investments. However, the available information on the modeling of these structural elements is insufficient. This paper presents the development of a numerical model of HPS made of structural steel. The pronounced profile height causes a stability problem, so a geometrically and materially non-linear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA) was carried out. The developed numerical model should serve as a basis for further research into improving the manufacturer's data on strength of the HPS. The paper specifically addresses the influence of geometric imperfections on the strength. The shape and size of the imperfections were analyzed and their critical size leading to failure was determined.
To confirm the reliability of the developed numerical model, load-bearing analyses were performed with varying the length of the contact area and the number of fasteners for connecting the HPS to the supporting structure. The developed numerical model showed very good agreement with the experimental analysis, carried out by author, both for the ultimate limit state and the serviceability limit state, so the numerical model was successfully validated.