Axial compressive behavior of non-symmetric cold-formed angular column with complex edge

Abstract Currently, the assembled-type light steel (ATLS) modular house is increasingly used for apartments, schools, hotels, and other similar buildings with repetitive units, in which the non-symmetric cold-formed angular section is usually served as column in the module unit. However, the compressive behavior and design method of the non-symmetric cold-formed angular column remain unknown due to the complex edge. In this paper, a series of tests were conducted on the axial compressive behavior of the non-symmetric cold-formed angular column. A total of 12 specimens with complex edge were tested under monotonic axial compression. A special support was designed at the end of the column to apply the axial compression along different loading axes of the complex section. The failure mode and axial compressive capacity of the test specimens were revealed and discussed in detail. It indicated that the loading axis significantly influenced the failure mode and axial compressive capacity of the non-symmetric cold-formed angular column. Furthermore, a 3D finite element model was developed and validated against the test results to broaden the research. Lastly, given that the current design codes for steel structures, as used in Europe, Australia/New Zealand and North, the relevant codified design was utilized to evaluate the axial compressive capacity of unequal angular column with a double edge fold stiffener, based on the obtained test data.