Strength and Durability of Thin-Walled Cross-Sections

This summary report is based on the experimental and analytical research of thin-walled cross-section’s strength and durability carried out in St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University. Current situation on the Russian market concerning usage of cold-formed thin walled cross-sections is aimed to find out a base foundation to start up a stipulation of the elements under discussion in the building industry. Some questions about its strength and durability were raised at different conferences by scientific community and companies such as Arsenal ST and Baltprofile. Steel galvanized C and H profiles and thermo-profiles are types of thin-walled cross-sections that are normally used in small houses construction. Thermo-profiles have cuts that decrease thermo-conductivity, but have a negative effect on strength of the profiles. These profiles were object of the research. Investigations carried out included tests to prove the strength and durability of the thin-walled cross-sections. Analytical modeling of thin-walled cross-sections was done with contemporary analysis software (SCAD Office) using finite element method (FEM).