15 March 2009

Sigma-X Consultancy have performed the analysis and design (sections and connections) of several structures manufactured from cold formed thin guage high tensile strength steel (fy = 390 N/mm2).  The structures are predominately of the braced portal frame type with a stress stiffening contribution from the cladding.  Typically spans of 13.75m were economically achieved. The thickness of the steel Cee and Zee sections used is in the order of 2mm.  The principal codes of practise used in the design were

BS5950 Part 5: Code of practice for design of cold formed thin gauge sections

BS5950 Part 9: Code of practice for design of stressed skin structures

The success of these designs has led to more opportunities for Sigma-X Consultancy in the area of the design of structures from cold formed thin guage sections.