Local buckling of cold-formed steel trapezoidal sheets: Data for finite element model validation

Data is provided from a validation example for a finite element model of a cold-formed steel trapezoidal sheet. The sheet is subjected to bending, failing due to local buckling. The numerical model and the validation procedure are carried out according to the new Eurocode 3 prEN1993-1-14 Design assisted by finite element analysis. Detailed information concerning all aspects needed to reproduce the example is included: (i) the nominal and measured values of the sheet geometry; (ii) the measured material properties of the steel; (iii) the test setup of the validation experiments; (iv) the experimental results; (v) a complete description of the finite element model and solution procedure; and (vi) the finite element results. Additionally, data related to sensitivity studies on the numerical model is also presented, including the effect of the model domain, meshing, and imperfections (shape, magnitude, direction and combinations). Overall, the article aims to provide data and guidance to designers and researchers validating similar numerical models.