Steady-state elevated temperature tests on cold-formed steel channels with non-uniform heating, in Experiments on cold-formed steel lipped channels in compression at elevated temperatures

These experiments investigate the elevated temperature response of cold-formed steel lipped channels (studs) in compression. The studs were tested in an MTS universal testing machine and under heating from a custom-built electrical heating system. In the steady-state tests, the studs were first heated until reaching the target non-uniform temperature distribution in the steel. A 100℃ temperature gradient was imposed between the flanges of the studs. This non-uniform temperature distribution aims at representing the case of a wall assembly exposed to fire from one side. Steel temperature was measured with thermocouples. A force control mode was used in the MTS machine during heating to allow free thermal expansion. After temperature stabilization, the studs were loaded to failure using a displacement control mode. The load-displacement data were obtained via the LabVIEW program. Temperature data was obtained from both the six-zone feedback heating system and manual recordings from additional thermocouple readers. Peak load and retention factors are also reported. The data can be used to evaluate the fire performance of cold-formed steel members.