Reinforcement Schemes for Cold-Formed Steel Joists with a Large Web Opening in Flexural Zone - An Experimental Investigation

The objective of this investigation is to develop an economical and efficient reinforcement scheme for large web openings in cold-formed steel (CFS) joists flexural zones that would restore the original moment resistance section. This considered commonly used floor North American CFS construction. Tests on webs with no circular square located at mid-depth revealed may reduce strength by 23%. A consisting screw fastening 31.75 mm x 12.7 (1-1/2”x1/2”) bridging channels having matching thickness as receiving joist, along compression tensile edges opening utilizing a spacing was established. Three identical tests proposed restored corresponding strengths section under consideration, failure locations were outside reinforced regions.