Finite element modeling of assembling rivet-fastened rectangular hollow flange beams in bending

The assembling rivet-fastened rectangular hollow flange beam (ARHFB) is a new type of cold-formed steel beam. The ARHFB section has two rectangular hollow flanges formed by U-shaped and C-shaped components that connected by self-locking rivets. A finite element model is developed to simulate 16 four-point bending experiments. Details of the modeling including finite element meshing, loading and boundary conditions, contact and analysis methods are presented. The accuracy of the developed finite element model is verified by comparing the ultimate moment capacity, applied load versus deflection curves, bending moment versus deflection curves, strain versus deflection curves and failure modes obtained from the tests and the finite element analysis. Based on the validated finite element model, a parametric analysis is carried out to discuss the effects of rivet spacing, section depth, flange thickness, and web thickness on the bending performance of ARHFB. The moment capacities of these sections obtained from the parametric study are compared with predictions from Australia and New Zealand, Chinese design standards for cold-rolled sections and the DSM (Direct Strength Method). It is found that GB50018 can conservatively predict the bearing capacity of ARHFB with a large error, while AS / NZS 4600 and DSM (Direct Strength Method) cannot provide reliable prediction results.