Incorporating New Generation Cold-Formed High-Strength Steel (CFHSS) to the Conformity of Present Product Standards

Abstract

Cold-formed high-strength steel (CFHSS) has been gaining popularity in the construction industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. CFHSS is produced with a nominal yield strength of 460 MPa and above, in compliance with the national steel product standard, to assure safety, durability, and quality in use in construction. However, owing to the rapid global production of steel products, a wide range of steel products from different countries, described as ‘foreign steel’, have been shipped worldwide. These steel products have created an imbalance between design guidelines and product standards that differ by country, resulting in unpredictable construction outcomes. The Eurocode 3 and American Standard AISI S100 design codes of practice authorise the use of steel that fulfils the product standards for mechanical and chemical properties, as verified by testing procedure. However, existing steel product standards from Europe, America, Australia, Japan, and Malaysia only deal with steel with a tensile strength of up to 550 MPa. Hence, alternative approach to employ higher grades CFHSS in structural steel design was addressed.