Experimental investigation on laser welded connections for built-up cold-formed steel beams

A wide experimental investigation on laser welded connections based on both lap-shear and tension tests was performed at the University of Naples. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of using laser welding in innovative built-up cold-formed steel beams. The experimental programme was designed in order to evaluate the effects of different parameters on the strength and ultimate displacement of the selected connections. In particular, the influence of sheet thickness, gap, loading direction, weld shapes and zinc coating were analyzed. The results of the experimental tests were compared with the predicted resistance values according to Eurocode 3, with the aim of validating for laser welding the mechanical models provided for spot welds.