Modular Supports System Product Technical Guide June 2026

Modular Support Systems Technical Guide, Edition 2

2.0 Modular Support Technology

2.2 Evaluations of Technical Data

All technical data provided in this Technical Guide is based on analytical calculations, finite element analysis, or laboratory testing. Published loads are provided for independent loading directions. The design professional shall consider appropriate interaction equations when loading is applied in multiple directions.

Analytical Calculations

Analytical calculations based on the provisions of AISI S100-16 / CSA S136-16 and AISC 360-16 / CSA S16- 16, are permitted for determining the load capacities of cold-formed steel members.

Finite Element Analysis

In accordance with AISI S100-16 / CSA S136-16, rational engineering analysis based on appropriate theory and engineering judgment is permitted as an alternative to testing and analytical methods for obtaining design load data. Accordingly, finite element analyses were performed to derive the technical data for several connector components contained herein. The following is a brief overview of how FEA is utilized for determining the published allowable load capacities for certain items in this Product Technical Guide.

First, an element type( e. g. shell or solid) is selected for the finite element analysis based on the complexity of the application and the desired level of output. Next, an appropriate meshing scheme is used to discretize the elements in the analysis which has a direct impact on the accuracy of the finite element model.

Multiple iterations of each finite element model are then run with different mesh layouts in order to ascertain acceptable convergence of results. Once the desired response measures such as stress, strain, and deflection become independent of the number of elements incorporated in the model, the postprocessing results from the finite element analysis are carefully extracted for review.

Testing

In accordance with AISI S100-16 / CSA S136-16 Chapter K, data based solely on tests represents the average results of at least three identical specimens, provided that no individual test result deviates from the average value of all tests by more than 15 percent. Once an average value of all acceptable tests made is determined, a nominal strength, Rn, for the series of tests is obtained. The coefficient of variation, VP, of the test results is then determined by statistical analysis.

Data based on rational engineering analysis with confirmatory tests is based on a minimum of three tests, with no test results permitted to be eliminated without a rationale for their exclusion. A correlation coefficient, Cc, based on the tested strength, Rt, is compared to the nominal strength, Rn, predicted from rational engineering analysis models. The correlation between Cc and Rt must be greater than or equal to 0.80.

For allowable strength design( ASD), the allowable strength value, Ra, is then computed as follows:

RR aa = RR nn ΩΩ

The safety factor, Ω, is derived from the following equation:

Ω = 1. 6 φφ

Where the resistance factor, φ: φφ = CC φφ( MM mm FF mm PP mm) ee −ββ 2

oo�VV MM + VVFF

2 + CCPP VV 2 PP + VVQQ

And: CC φφ = Calibration coefficient MM mm = Mean value of material factor FF mm = Mean value of fabrication factor PP mm = Mean value of professional factor ee = Natural logarithmic base ββ oo = Target reliability index VV MM = Coefficient of variation of material factor VV FF = Coefficient of variation of fabrication factor CC PP = Correction factor VV PP = Coefficient of variation of test results VV QQ = Coefficient of variation of load effect

The correlation coefficient, Cc: nn ∑ RR tt, ii RR nn, ii − �∑ RR tt, ii ��∑ RR nn, ii �

CC cc = �nn�∑ RR 2 tt, ii � − �∑ RR tt, ii � 2 �nn�∑ RR 2 nn, ii � − �∑ RR 2 nn, ii �

Where: nn = number of tests RR tt, ii = Tested strength( resistance) of test i RR nn, ii = Calculated nominal strength( resistance) of test i per rational engineering analysis model

Modular Supports System Product Technical Guide June 2026 | Seite 19