Numerical Study on Seismic Performance of Cold Formed Steel Sheathed Shear Walls

Abstract

This paper presents a non-linear finite element analyses in order to investigate the seismic performances of steel sheathed cold formed shear walls. The numerical models presented here are verified based on experimental tests considering different structural characteristics including: material nonlinearity, geometrical imperfection, residual stresses and perforations. A comparison between the numerical simulations and the test results shows a good agreement proves that the finite element analysis can be used effectively to predict the ultimate capacity of steel sheathed CFS shear panels. A total of 15 models with different structural parameters are investigated. Of particular interests were the specimens' maximum lateral load capacity and deformation behaviour in addition to a rational estimation of the seismic response modification factor. Preliminary conclusions presented in this paper, refer to the seismic characteristics of steel sheathed CFS shear walls and the corresponding dimensions and configuration.