Web crippling investigation of perforated aluminium lipped channels under interior-one-flange loading condition

This study investigates the web crippling performance of roll-formed aluminium-lipped channels (ALCs) made of 5052-H36 aluminium alloy. The influence of web perforations on the crippling resistance of webs subjected to Interior-One-Flange (IOF) loading was examined. Laboratory tests were conducted on ALCs with and without circular openings at the mid-depth of the web. Finite element (FE) models were then developed and validated against the experimental results, ensuring their accuracy. To explore the influence of various parameters on the web crippling resistance, a parametric study was carried out. The parameters considered in the study include opening diameter, section depth, inside bent radius, bearing length, and aluminium grade. Using the data obtained from the parametric study, a comprehensive assessment of the available design guidelines for cold-formed steel and stainless steel was performed. New equations in the form of reduction factors were developed to accurately predict the reduction in the web crippling strength, showing their applicability to predict the reduction in the web crippling resistance due to web openings and statistically verifying their reliability.