Folding Forward: An Investigation of Cold Formed Steel Fabrication in Hot Rolled Steel via Finite Element Analysis.

This research investigates “thin steel” structural technologies utilizing traditional cold formed steel (CFS) fabrication techniques. These technologies are motivated by developing solutions that can be produced using ½” to 1” plate, and recent developments in the AEC industry which drastically reduce gravity system dead loads. Of note among these developments is the increased prevalence of mass timber. Existing technologies offer precedent for efficient steel/timber hybrid systems, including “WQ” beams and A-beams. What has not been considered is potential for lighter steel solutions which can be fabricated with folding techniques. We propose two connections, with the goal of simplifying on site construction: 1) a “hat shaped” connection which would rest atop a wall or column, and receive beams/slabs on each of two lower flanges, and 2) A PI shape which would similarly rest atop a wall or column and receive beams or slabs, but on a top flange, more similar to traditional angle brace systems. These solutions are designed analytically through advanced mechanics of materials, the native 1st order elastic stress analysis tool in Dlubal RSECTION, and finite element analysis (FEM) vis Dlubal RFEM. The hat shape cross section is run at multiple thicknesses, the extreme normal stress and Von Misses equivalent stresses are recorded.