Efficiency of Thin-Walled Galvanized Profiles for Arch Elements

Purpose. To carry out an engineering estimation of the effectiveness of using steel thin-walled galvanized profiles on the example of an engineering structure in the form of an arch. To formulate recommendations regarding the appropriateness of using such profiles in comparison with other more traditional types of assortment profiles. Methodology. To achieve this goal, a series of numerical calculations of an arch structure made of three types of steel assortment profiles – seamless hot-deformed pipes, electric-welded straight-seam pipes and thin-walled galvanized profiles – was carried out. At the same time, the spans of the arch structure were varied in the range from 12 to 24 m and the step of its arrangement in the range from 3 to 6 m. The effect of snow and wind loads was also separately considered in accordance with the current standard of Ukraine. The calculations were done using the finite element method based on the Lira for Windows project complex. Findings. According to the results of analysis and comparison of the obtained data of numerical calculations, it was found that the least costly is the use of galvanized steel profiles, the structures of which have the lowest cost for all the variants considered. Steel arches based on electric-welded straight-seam pipes turn out to be approximately on 50…80 % more expensive, and arches based on seamless hot-deformed pipes are on average in three times more expensive. At the same time, both the average market value of the profiles and the cost of manufacturing an arch structure from them were taken into account. Originality. The most effective type of steel assortment profiles for use in arched structures, which are the supporting elements of the frames of lightweight fast-mounted buildings, is determined. In particular, the high efficiency of modern thin-walled galvanized profiles for this type of structure has been proven. Practical value. In the course of the research, engineering data were obtained, regarding specific types of thin-walled galvanized profiles, which must be used for load-bearing arched elements of fast-mounted buildings. The data are presented in a tabular form convenient for use in engineering practice, depending on the climatic loads, spans and steps of the supporting elements of the frame of such buildings.