Abstract
In this paper, the behavior of cold-formed Z-purlins restrained by roof-panels and intermediate braces is investigated. Full-scale tests were carried out and a simple approach was developed to estimate the buckling load. Purlins with such restraints had heigh ultimate strength but the lateral and rotational deformations were observed from initial load. By considering the effect of panels and braces as the effective lateral bending and tortional-stiffness, the load derived from the analysis was shown to be satisfactory for predicting the load at which the increase of rotational deformations were remarkable.
