ABSTRACT
The paper focuses on joint-performance analysis of a built-up cold-formed thin-walled C-sectional column with a fillister (stiffener) of the same type, interconnected with a series of bolts located along the length of the compressed members in specific spacing. The quantity of bolts and the non-connected starting distance of the fillister are considered random variables of the problem. Optimal distribution of joints on the stiffener is found by means of Response Surface Methodology, based on Targeted Sampling technique. The critical load of the column is the response of the random model, dependent on random input parameters. The load values are computed by means of discrete realizations of the column FE model.
