Cyclic Loading Tests on Framed Stud Walls with Strap Braces and Steel Sheathing

Abstract

Cyclic loading tests were performed on framed stud walls with strap brace and steel sheathing. Each stud panel was strengthened with either the conventional straps or steel sheathing. The framed stud wall specimens were prepared by framing four stud panels with a lightweight steel frame (or boundary frame). To mitigate damage to the corner joint and to improve the energy dissipation capacity, new detailing methods for the framed stud walls were proposed. Test results showed that the framed stud wall specimens exhibited high deformation capacity (>5.37%) and ductility (>5.76). However, because of premature buckling of the tension-only straps and steel sheathing, significant pinching was observed in the cyclic behaviors. The energy dissipation capacity was enhanced in the specimen where the beam-column joints of the boundary frame were strengthened by reducing the column section (RCS). Based on the plastic mechanisms such as strap yielding and column yielding, the load-carrying capacity, stiffness, and yield displacement of the framed stud walls were predicted. In addition, based on the tests, recommendations for the design and detailing of the framed stud walls were given.