Square and Rectangular Hollow Sections under Transverse End-Bearing Force

Abstract

This paper describes tests on a range of cold-formed square and rectangular hollow section members subject to end-bearing force. The concentrated force was applied by means of a bearing plate, which acted across the full flange width of the section. The parameters varied in the tests included (1) the bearing length; (2) the slenderness of the member; and (3) the shape of the section [rectangular hollow sections (RHS) or square hollow sections (SHS)]. The results are compared with existing American, Australian, Canadian, and European design formulas. The results are also compared with the formulas given by the writers, which were based on tests of SHS and RHS sections under interior bearing force. A design model is proposed for SHS and RHS sections under end-bearing force. The reliability analysis method is used to calibrate the existing and proposed design formulas.