Enhancing Performance of Light Steel Frame Structures with Internal and External Coatings: A Finite Element Study
摘要
Since lightweight steel structures are one of the most important aspects of prefabricated building construction, very little research has been performed regarding the influence of different parameters, like geometric and mechanical characteristics, on their performance. In this paper, internal and external coatings were analyzed for their effects on the structural behavior of the walls made from cold-rolled steel profiles by the finite element method. While the finite element simulations were performed through the ABAQUS software, the structural characteristics were analyzed via non-linear static analysis. Subsequently, a detailed analysis was made on the parameters such as material, thickness, and mechanical properties of internal and external coatings, and geometric characteristics of stiffeners. Results show that steel covers, lightweight cement boards, and gypsum panels significantly improve the performance of light steel frame (LSF) structures. Besides that, the high strength of lightweight concrete could increase the structure's load-carrying capacity by potentially reducing the dimensions of LSF sections and, consequently, the corresponding costs. For instance, applying gypsum panel covers and 5 mm-thick lightweight cement boards increased the bearing capacity in the structure by about 13 and 51%, compared to the base sample, which vividly underlines the effectiveness of lightweight cement boards as structural covers.