Light-gauge steel-frame – wood structural panel shear wall design method

Abstract

Design guidelines for laterally loaded (wind and seismic) light-gauge steel-frame – wood structural panel shear walls are currently unavailable in Canadian standards and codes. A research project was initiated at McGill University in 2001 with the objective of developing a shear wall design method that could be used in conjunction with the 2005 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). An extensive program of tests was first carried out to establish a database of shear wall information. The equivalent energy elastic–plastic (EEEP) analysis approach was then chosen to derive key design parameters for the shear walls, including nominal shear strength, elastic stiffness, overstrength, and ductility. This paper presents the development of the proposed design method, the resulting nominal strength and unit elastic stiffness values according to typical perimeter fastener schedules and sheathing type, and the calibration of a resistance factor to the 2005 NBCC wind loads. Overstrength values used for a capacity-based seismic design approach and factors of safety for wind loading are also provided.Key words: shear wall, light-gauge steel, wood structural panel, earthquake, wind, design.