Experimental Progress on Cold-Formed Thin-Walled Channels under Compression and Flexure Since 2000

Cold-formed thin-walled channel steel, featuring light weight, high strength, cost-effectiveness and easy construction, is widely used in purlins, keels, columns and other structural members. Its compressive and flexural mechanical properties directly determine structural safety and reliability. This paper systematically reviews the research progress of experimental studies on compression test and flexural test of cold-formed thin-walled channel steel members at home and abroad since 2000, focusing on failure modes, key influencing factors, design method optimization and code updates. Results show that the failure modes of compression members are closely related to slenderness ratios and eccentricities, mainly including local buckling, flexural-torsional buckling and overall instability. The performance of flexural members is significantly affected by web openings, stiffeners and other structural parameters. Experimental and numerical simulation has become the mainstream research method. Combined with the 2025-implemented code GB/T 50018-2025, this paper summarizes the engineering application value of existing research, points out research gaps involving complex hole shapes and extreme environmental coupling effects, and provides references for future experiments and engineering design.