Análisis de las propiedades de sección transversal de perfiles tipo UV conformados en frío

Abstract

Information on cold-formed structural elements is limited, but has become indispensable in the field of construction, as it allows for improved design and analysis of structures. In the present investigation, a comprehensive analysis of the section properties of 6 and 8 mm thicknesses was carried out. It started with a review of information to understand the behaviour of these profiles, section properties such as inertias, torsional constants and warping constants were calculated using traditional analytical methods. To validate these calculations, a mathematical model based on the finite element method (FEM) was developed, which allowed the behaviour of the cross-sections to be simulated more accurately. Experimental torsion, bending and compression tests were performed to compare the results obtained by analytical calculations and FEM analysis. In the case of the tests to determine the warping constant, technical limitations were faced, such as the lack of a high test machine for compression tests on thicker sections, which led to the use of thinner sections. Finally, the results showed that the FEM provides intermediate predictions between analytical methods and experimental tests, the differences observed in the behaviour of the specimens were discussed, conclusions were drawn on the discrepancy of results between the different methods, and recommendations for future studies were proposed, including the application of heat treatments to the profiles to improve the values obtained in the tests.