A REVIEW OF THIN-WALLED BUILT-UP CROSS-SECTION ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

The goal of this research is to review the methods of assembly of the thin-walled built-up cross-sections, cross-section shapes and shape selection reasons. Different author’s experimental studies of the thin-walled built-up cross-sections of various lengths and shapes have been reviewed. The cross-section of the thin-walled built-up columns is assembled by connecting two or more profiles at their webs or flanges. The cross-section can be assembled indirectly – by using intermediate plates. The connections of the profiles and plates can be self-drilling screws, bolts, rivets or welds. The step of the thin-walled profile connections has an impact to the load bearing resistance of the cross-section. The increase to the load bearing capacity of the cross-section can be up to 16% when profiles without stiffeners are connected with a smaller connection step. The effect to the load bearing resistance of the decrease of the connection step length of the thin-walled cross-sections made of profiles with stiffeners was insignificant and sometimes unfavourable. Different cross-sections were analysed, and their effectiveness was compared. The more effective were cross-sections with a higher cross-section height and width, assembled of profiles with web and flange stiffeners. The ratio of the strength of the axial compression to the cross-section area of the built-up columns can be up to 80% higher when built-up cross-section is assembled using profiles with stiffeners, compared to the built-up cross-sections assembled using profiles without stiffeners.