Structural Performance of Cold-formed Steel Portal Frames with CEE and Sigma Configurations Under Monotonic Loading

Cold-formed steel (CFS) structures have attracted considerable attention because of their low weight and accelerated construction process. This research delves into the domain of advanced finite element analysis (FEA) applied to portal frame configurations, with a specific focus on lateral monotonic loads applied on top of the column. The main aim is to determine the optimum cross-sectional configuration capable of withstanding such loading conditions. By employing meticulous geometry modeling, material characterization, mesh generation, and incorporating boundary conditions and connection modeling, a comprehensive FEA investigation is carried out. This study provides valuable insights for improving CFS structure analysis, design, and manufacturing methodologies. For single cross-section configurations, Configuration-۰۱ demonstrates a ۳۶.۴% rise in load carrying ability at the stress limit and a ۷.۲% increase at the deflection limit compared to Configuration-۰۳, while Configuration-۰۵shows a ۱۴.۰۳% increase at the stress limit and a ۱۴.۷۶% increase at the deflection limit over Configuration- ۰۳, indicating a higher load capacity in both scenarios. Similarly, in the comparison of double cross- section configurations, Configuration-۰۲ exhibits a ۳۹.۸۱% increase in stress load and a ۲۰.۸۸% increase in deflection load compared to Configuration-۰۴, while Configuration-۰۶ demonstrates a ۴۹.۶۳% increase in stress load and a ۷.۷۱% increase in deflection load over configuration-۰۴, signifying a higher load capacity in both stress and deflection limits. The examination shows that the load capacity depends on the allowable stress criterion for single and double cross-section configurations. This suggests that the structures attain their allowable stress threshold prior to attaining allowable deflection threshold.