Local in-plane strength and stiffness of stud-to-sheathing fastener connections in LSF wall panels

Abstract Light-gauge steel framed (LSF) wall systems of low- and mid-rise buildings are made cold-formed studs tracks lined with sheathing material such as gypsum plasterboard. The stiffness provided by can be idealised into three main components, namely, in-plane, out-of-plane rotational stiffness. Idealised in-plane has been used commonly in the numerical analytical studies stud walls. Experimental evidence shows that local response depends on several factors thickness, thickness material, screw fastener diameter, end edge distances, number layers environmental conditions, which effects most them not well understood. An experimental study was therefore conducted to investigate non-linear strength screw-fastened stud-to-gypsum plasterboard connections varying a range parameters affecting their capacities. resulting load-displacement curves were analysed, models characteristic developed. A finite element model an then developed determine initial stud-to-sheathing connections, employing pure bearing sheathing, validated using results.