Cold-formed sections (CFS) fabricated using high strength steel have recently been utilised in construction due to their numerous advantages, such as higher load-to-weight ratio, flexibility of shape, and availability in relatively long spans. High strength CFS channel sections can be used as purlins and joists in structural systems; thus, they are vulnerable to different buckling instabilities, including web crippling. Predicting their web crippling capacity using the current design guidelines may be insufficient due to their empirical nature. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the web crippling capacity of high strength unlipped CFS sections under End-Two-Flange (ETF) loading conditions. Numerical simulations were carried out using nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis. The developed models were first validated against available experimental data and then used as a base for conducting an extensive parametric study. The ultimate web crippling capacity obtained from the parametric study was used to assess the accuracy of the available design equations in the standards and those proposed in the relevant studies. The assessment revealed that the existing design equations are not suitable for predicting the ultimate web crippling capacity for high strength CFS channel sections under the ETF loading condition. Thus, a modified design equation was proposed, following the same technique of current design standards, and a new Direct Strength Method (DSM) approach was developed.

Dynamic Message Signs (DMSs) are an integral feature of any Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), providing drivers with real-time information such as travel time, incidents, routes, and weather conditions. This study aims to estimate the economic impacts associated with DMS use for route choice, weather advisories, and work zone management on freeways. Several freeway locations with varying levels of traffic congestion were selected to ensure a comprehensive evaluation under diverse conditions. Travel time savings and speed reductions were used as performance metrics to assess Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCRs) for each application. The findings show that DMSs yield substantial economic advantages across all use cases. For route guidance messages with a 35% diversion rate, the BCR was 1.032, indicating a cost-effective investment. Weather advisory messages recommending speed reduction achieved a notably higher BCR of 6.0, reflecting strong safety and financial benefits. Work zone applications using Portable Changeable Message Signs (PCMS) projected a BCR of 1.22. This study offers a data-driven justification for DMS deployment and contributes to the literature by focusing on financial performance, supporting strategic investment decisions beyond qualitative or operational assessments.