Abstract
Cold-formed steel columns with an open cross-sectional profile are widely used in structural engineering applications. In this study, a new intermediate stiffened open column section is proposed. All the cross-sectional properties and buckling plots are obtained from the elastic buckling analysis by using the CUFSM software. To improve the distortional buckling strength of the open column, a lateral bracing is provided at the flanges. Totally, six specimens with different section geometries are tested under axial compressive loading. Finite element analysis software ANSYS is used for numerical analysis, and the results are verified experimentally. Further, the validated finite element model is used to perform a parametric study, for investigating the variation of depth and spacing of bracing plate. Besides, the test results compared with the design strength calculated from the Direct Strength Method and Indian Standard for the cold-formed steel structures.