Elana Rautenbach graduated from the University of Pretoria with BEng (Civil Engineering) in 2013. She is currently enrolled for a BEngHons (Structural Engineering) degree whilst also working on her MEng (Structural Engineering) degree. Her research, led by Prof. BWJ van Rensburg, focusses on the finite element modelling of thin sheet steel connections. The main focus of her research is to investigate the effect of the ductility of sheet steels on the behaviour of these connections. The use of cold-formed structural steel members has been of growing importance in the field of lightweight steel construction. The largest area of use would most likely include conventional, mainly industrial, steel structures as secondary and tertiary load-bearing elements on a steel or reinforced concrete structure.

Current research interests

• Lightweight steel structures.
• Weight optimisation of structures.
• Steel structures
• Finite element analysis

Publications

Rautenbach, E. 2013. The behaviour of profile reinforced lightweight concrete beams. Unpublished Research Project. University of Pretoria

Contact

[email protected]