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This paper describes an experimental study on the behavior of load-bearing cold-formed steel (CFS) members under elevated temperatures from fire exposure. A custom-built electrical furnace with six independently controlled heating zones was installed in a loading frame, enabling testing of CFS members under uniform or non-uniform elevated temperatures. The ability to precisely control temperature gradients between the flanges allows testing a single member to failure under thermal conditions representative of a wall assembly exposed to fire on one side, capturing the effect of thermal gradient on the buckling behavior. Steady-state tests on short (18 in.) 600S200- 54 lipped channels in compression were conducted at temperatures up to 600 °C, including tests with uniform temperatures and tests with 100°C gradient between the two flanges. Coupon tests were also conducted to characterize the material properties at elevated temperatures. The members lost about 23% of their strength at 400°C and 66% at 600 °C. For these short specimens under nonuniform heating, with one flange 100°C hotter than the other, the member strength fell between the strengths associated with the temperatures of the hot and cold flanges, with limited asymmetric effect on the local buckling response. This experimental data can support the development of design methods for CFS members in fire, enabling performance-based fire design.
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This content will become publicly available on June 1, 2026
A review of experiments on cold-formed steel members at elevated temperatures
Cold-formed steel assemblies are commonly used for partition walls in buildings, playing a critical role for fire compartmentation, and are also increasingly used as load-bearing structural systems due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and suitability for off-site prefabrication. This evolution leads to a need to characterize the behavior of these systems under the combined action of loading and fire. The objective of this paper is to provide a review of experimental studies on cold-formed steel members and assemblies at elevated temperatures. A comparative overview of testing methods is presented with a focus on the heating and loading procedures, temperature distributions, and end boundary conditions. The review covers experimental tests on lipped channels and built-up sections in compression and flexure, and wall and floor assemblies. The impact of elevated temperature on material properties and member strength is explored. Drawing on data from 30 experimental studies, the review examines the effects of end boundary conditions, section shape, temperature distribution, gypsum sheathing, and internal insulation on the stability and strength of the thin-walled members. Recommendations for future research include member experiments with non-uniform section temperatures and under localized fires, comparisons of steady-state and transient tests, and studies on lipped channel joists. By synthesizing key findings and identifying research gaps, this review aims to guide future experimental studies and support the advancement of building codes and performance-based fire design methods for cold-formed steel structures.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2237623
- PAR ID:
- 10587691
- Publisher / Repository:
- Elsevier
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Constructional Steel Research
- Volume:
- 229
- Issue:
- C
- ISSN:
- 0143-974X
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 109482
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Cold-formed steel Fire testing Elevated temperatures Lipped channel Built-up Wall and floor assemblies
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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