ABSTRACT
The structural performance and design of ferritic stainless steel tubular sections subjected to concentrated bearing load are presented. A total of 18 web crippling tests was conducted on cold-formed square and rectangular hollow sections of grade EN 1.4003 ferritic stainless steel. The tests were conducted under end loading condition, which simulated the support condition of floor joist members seated on solid foundation subjected to concentrated end bearing load. A Finite Element (FE) model was developed. On validation of the model, a parametric study was performed. The web crippling strengths obtained from experimental and numerical investigations were compared with the nominal strengths calculated using the current American, Australian/New Zealand and European specifications for stainless steel structures. Furthermore, the Australian Standard for carbon steel structures was also compared. Improved design rules are proposed for ferritic stainless steel tubular sections subjected to concentrated bearing load by means of Direct Strength Method.
