Experimental determination of axial compressive strength of crimped cold-formed channels

This paper presents experimental axial compressive failure loads of 33 cold-formed regular channels and 51 cold-formed crimped channels varying in sizes, lengths, and end conditions. Strain gauges and mechanical dial gauges were used during the centering of the specimens in the test frame. For some specimens, the failure loads of regular channels were greater than those of the crimped channels. In other cases, the crimped channels were stronger. Therefore, statistical analysis (Student's t-test) was carried out and the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the compressive strength of regular and crimped channels was accepted at 0.01 significance level. Thus, the compressive strength of crimped channels can be calculated using the formulas applicable for regular channels.