Geometric Imperfection Simulations in Cee-Shape Cold-Formed Steel Members Based on Newly Developed Machine-Vision Inspection Techniques

This paper insightfully studies geometric imperfection simulations of cee-section CFS members from laser-based measurements. A machine-vision imperfection inspection technique is first developed where an algorithm is implemented to automate imperfection characterization from volumetric data. The measured imperfections are statistically analyzed and resemble past measurements from other researchers. Two imperfection simulation approaches are studied, i.e., the modal imperfection simulation method and the 1D spectral simulation method, where strength performance and deformation are predicted from finite element analysis. The analysis results are compared with those of testing. The 1D spectral simulation method is superior where stochasticity and regularity of real im-perfection can be properly addressed. The study provides feasible access to imperfection simulations of cee-section CFS members that other researchers can directly apply. The prediction results can aid the future direct analysis and design of CFS members.