Cyclic Behavior of Cold-Formed Steel Stud-to-Sheathing Connections

This series of experiments aims to characterize the cyclic behavior of cold-formed steel (CFS) stud-to-sheathing connections. This connection provides the key energy dissipating behavior in wood sheathed CFS shear walls, and provides bracing to the studs under gravity and out-of-plane loads. A simple testing rig is developed consisting of two CFS lipped channels facing toe-to-toe connected on the flanges by sheathing (oriented strand board, or gypsum board) and cycled such that the 8 connecting fasteners experience shear. Sheathing configuration, fastener spacing, load protocol (CUREE), steel thickness, and fastener type for OSB specimens were varied to determine connection performance. The dominant role of sheathing type and stud thickness is highlighted. The cyclic behavior of the experimental results is characterized for further use in analysis of shear walls and under gravity and lateral load. The work serves as an important supplement in North American efforts to advance seismic performance-based design of CFS structures and is part of a larger effort to better understand CFS lateral force resisting systems.