Tests for flexural behavior of arch (curved) steel panels

This paper is concerned with the experimental setup for flexural tests of cold-formed steel curved panels. It presents the details related to the loading arrangements, support conditions, bracing conditions, etc. which are considered unique to this experimental investigation. A total of 120 flexural tests was conducted on such thin-walled cold-formed steel panels having trapezoidal open cross-section. The test program consisted of 66 "push up tests" representing the wind uplift effects, and 54 "push down tests" representing the vertical downward load effects. The study considered 8 types of curved panels with transverse corrugations, and one type of straight panel with no corrugation. The shape and the slendemess of the panel elements, and other peculiarities associated with the test requirements presented interesting challenges resulting in innovative experimental setups. Six identical specimens were considered, and both, push down tests, and push up tests resulted in consistent results. Except for one test, the percentage difference of the individual test peak loads was less than 5% of the average peak load of the corresponding panel model. Thus, the push up test arrangement and as well as the push down test arrangement presented herein could be considered a reliable setup for such tests.