On code formulation, testing and computer simulation of cold-formed thin-sheet steel arches

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to gain insight on the mechanical behaviour of cold-formed thinsheet steel arch structures subjected to gravitatory loads. The maximum vertical load that an arch of such characteristics is capable to withstand was computed. This was done by two different methodologies. The first one was analytical, for which two different finite element models of the arch were simulated. Effective properties of the cold-formed thinsheet sections were obtained according to different structural codes. The second consisted on the mechanical testing of 10-13.3 m-span arches until failure occurred. Analytical and experimental results were compared.