Evaluation and enhancement of design methods for cold-formed austenitic stainless steel sigma columns

Hayat Hossany , Nashwa M. Yossef , M.F. Hassanein

Abstract

This study addresses the lack of a comprehensive design methodology for Cold-Formed Austenitic Stainless Steel (CFASS) Sigma columns, specifically those made from grade EN 1.4420. The structural behavior of these columns under axial compression was investigated, with a focus on failure modes. Finite element (FE) models were developed to simulate their performance, and the results were validated against experimental data from the literature in terms of failure modes, strengths, and load–deformation behavior. Once validated, the FE models were used for parametric studies, generating extensive numerical data across a range of cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., a/B ratios and B/H) and slenderness ratios (𝜆). Using this data, the design guidelines outlined in the AISI and European codes were assessed. The evaluation revealed that the Direct Strength Method (DSM) in the AISI standards generally provides reasonable estimations with some deviations toward overestimation, while the European code exhibited underestimation and inaccuracies. To address these issues, a new procedure was developed to predict the strengths of CFASS Sigma columns based on EC3. The proposed modifications demonstrated improvements in accuracy and reliability, providing enhanced methods for estimating the buckling capacity of cold formed austenitic stainless-steel Sigma-section columns.

Key Words

cold-formed austenitic stainless steel; design modification; Direct Strength Method (DSM); finite element analysis; parametric study; sigma-section

Address

Hayat Hossany — Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
Nashwa M. Yossef — Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
M.F. Hassanein — Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

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