Reliability and uncertainty quantification of the net section tension capacity of cold-formed steel angles with bolted connections considering shear lag

Abstract

In cold-formed steel members under tension and connected with bolts, the resistance capacity of the net section should be calculated, taking into account the shear lag phenomenon. This is done through the net section reduction coefficient, C_t. Different Standards show different equations for C_t. In this work, experimental laboratory data of cold-formed steel angles from the authors are used for the evaluation of the accuracy of the predictions of the net section capacity of members under tension. Such predictions are given by the equations of AISI, Eurocode-3, Brazilian standard NBR 14762, and also by a predictive equation previously proposed by the authors. The paper shows how each equation predicts the tension member resistance capacity in front of the experimental data. Most of the equations in the design standards have good predictions when more sections of the steel angles are connected. The results show that the AISI standard presented the best resistance capacity prediction and lower standard deviations of the output response upon uncertainty.