INTRODUCTION A research study, conducted at Cornell University, provided a theoretical method for evaluating the state of stress for both C- and Z- purlins subjected to wind uplift loading. According to the Cornell analytical method, a Z-purlin has more load carrying capability than a similar C-purlin. Although experimental verification was provided, questions were raised, within the Metal Building Industry, regarding the strength of the C-versus the Z-section. The purpose of the work discussed herein was to develop information regarding the behavior of C- and Z-sections having identical cross-section dimensions. A brief description of the test program, along with a comparison between the tested ultimate capacity and computed capacity, is presented
