Numerical parametric analysis on the ultimate bearing capacity of the purlin-sheet roofs connected by standing seam clips

This paper presents the parametric numerical analysis on the ultimate bearing capacity of the purlin-sheet roofs connected by standing seam clips. The effects of several factors on failure modes and ultimate bearing capacity of the purlins are studied, including setup of anti-sag bar, purlin type, sheet thickness and connection type et al. A simplified design formula is proposed for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of purlins. Results show that setting the anti-sag bars can improve the ultimate bearing capacity and change the failure modes of C purlins significantly. The failure modes and ultimate bearing capacity of C purlins are significantly different from those of Z purlins, in the purlin-sheet roof connected by standing seam clips. Setting the anti-sag bars near the lower flange is more favorable for increasing the ultimate bearing capacity of purlins. The ultimate bearing capacity of C purlins increases slightly with sheet thickness increasing from 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm. The ultimate bearing capacity of the purlin-sheet roofs connected by standing seam clips is always higher than those by self-drilling screws. The predictions of the proposed design formulas are relatively in good agreement with those of EN 1993-1-3: 2006, compared with GB 50018-2002.