AISI S911
Full Name
AISI S911 – Test Standard for Determining the Flexural Strength of Cold-Formed Steel Hat-Shaped Members
Scope
The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has developed AISI S911, a standardized test method for evaluating the flexural strength of cold-formed steel hat-shaped members. These members, commonly used as studs, joists, and rafters in lightweight construction, are subjected to bending stresses in their applications. Understanding their flexural capacity is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and safety.
AISI S911 focuses on determining the flexural strength of hat-shaped members formed from sheet steel with a thickness of 3 mm or less. The standard outlines procedures for both major and minor axis bending tests, recognizing that the cross-sectional geometry influences the member’s response to bending about different axes.
The standard prescribes a four-point bending test setup, where the hat-shaped member is supported at two points and loaded at two other points equidistant from the supports. This arrangement creates a constant bending moment region between the loading points, allowing for a consistent assessment of flexural behavior.
During the test, load and deflection measurements are continuously recorded. The test continues until the member either reaches its ultimate load capacity or exhibits a specified deflection limit, indicating failure.
The collected load-deflection data is used to determine key flexural properties, including:
- Yield moment: the moment at which the member experiences a specified permanent deformation.
- Ultimate moment: the maximum moment the member can withstand before failure.
- Flexural stiffness: a measure of the member’s resistance to bending deformation.
AISI S911 provides a standardized and reliable method for evaluating the flexural performance of cold-formed steel hat-shaped members. The data obtained from these tests are essential for:
- Structural design: engineers rely on this data to accurately predict the load-carrying capacity of hat-shaped members in various structural applications.
- Product development: manufacturers can utilize the standard to optimize the design and material selection of their products, ensuring they meet the required strength and performance criteria.
- Quality control: AISI S911 serves as a benchmark for quality control, allowing manufacturers and regulatory bodies to verify the structural integrity of cold-formed steel hat-shaped members.
AISI S911 Accredited Laboratory
Applied Testing & Geosciences, LLC is accredited for performing tests using the AISI S911 standard. Our reports provide valuable insights into the flexural behavior of your hat-shaped members, helping you ensure their compliance with industry standards and optimize their structural performance.
Contact us today to learn more about how our testing services can benefit your projects.
Resources
Keywords
cold-formed steel; flexural strength; hat-shaped members; test method; yield strength; stiffness; web crippling; lateral buckling; bracing; deflection; moment of inertia; section modulus; stress; strain; residual stress