High thin-walled purlins of Z cross-section are important elements in steel wide-span structures. Their behaviour is influenced by many variables that need to be examined for every specific case. Their practical design thus requires extended knowledge of their behaviour for the possible configurations and dimensions. Numerical analysis verified by experimental investigation can thus enrich such knowledge. Numerical models have the advantage of repeatability and the ability to offer parametric changes. The parametric study presented shows a detailed description of a finite element model of thin-walled cross-sectional roof purlins connected to other roof elements. Models include various approaches to modelling bolt connection. Two schemes of purlins, with and without cleats, are presented. The results of different approaches in numerical modelling are compared with the results of a physical test on a real structure. The article shows a significant agreement in the case of specific approaches and points out the differences with others. The results can be helpful in terms of how to approach the modelling of thin-walled structures and the effective approach to experimental preparation.
Keywords: Ansys; Z-profiles; numerical analysis; parametric study; roof purlins; thin-walled cold-rolled sections.