Cross-sectional flexural capacity of cold-formed laterally-restrained steel rectangular hollow flange beams

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive experimental-numerical study aimed at determining the flexural performance of cold-formed laterally-restrained steel rectangular hollow flange beams (RHFBs). Two RHFBs of different dimensions were considered as representative of typical secondary beams in small steel-framed houses. Results of the experimental study that consisted of i) material characterisation and ii) tests on full-scale specimens are thoroughly presented. Moreover, a numerical work was performed in order to develop a model able to reproduce the experimental outcomes and used to expand the available findings over a wider slenderness range through parametric studies.