Evaluation of the slenderness ratio in built-up cold-formed box sections

According to section D1.2 of AISI S100-2007 for compression members composed of two sections in contact whose buckling mode involves shear forces in the connectors, a reduction must be made, KL/r must be replaced by (KL/r)(m). This new modified slenderness ratio takes into account the connection weld spacing and the minimum radius of gyration of an individual shape in the built-up member. Under the provisions of section D1.2 a reduction in load capacity must be made for built-up welded box members, which are the subject of this study. An experimental investigation on 48 samples was addressed to determine the comparative behaviour under compression load of box sections composed of two C-section members in contact by seam welds with different weld spacings (ranging from 100 to 900 mm). The studs were tested simulating rigid and flexible end support conditions. The length of the samples was 900 mm with a cross-section of 100 mm x 100 mm. The base material thickness was 1.5 mm (gauge 16) for 24 samples and 2.0 mm (gauge 14) for the rest. The testing done on the samples did not show a statistical reduction in the ultimate compression load capacity for these members except for a weld spacing of 900 mm and a flexible end support condition. The reduction considered in AISI S100-2007is not applicable to determine the ultimate load capacity for the rest of the members. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.