Enhancing static resistance of steel stud wall systems for blast design using new section geometries

Abstract

Steel Stud Wall Systems (SSWSs) have been attractive structural alternative due to its merits. This research is mainly focused on enhancing static resistance of SSWSs to resist moderate blast events. Resistance function is considered an important item of data in calculating dynamic response of a system using Single Degree of Freedom model. Resistance function can be obtained by quasi-static experimental loading. Or alternatively, using FE modelling for finding the non-linear static response of a system. This research shows how combinations of the various in-lack parameters can be arranged to maximize efficiency of the system for performance as blast proof structures. This is performed by analyzing different section geometries from traditional ones with aids of FE software (ABAQUS 16). The solution is under quasi-static loading and the obtained toughness is used to hold comparison between the new geometries and the traditional stud section. Two validation models followed by a comprehensive parametric study are performed to investigate back-to-back cold formed sections efficiency in comparison to traditional system from blast point of view. For this purpose, two new introduced factors Material Utilization Factor (M.U.F) and (EF) are used to relate the various design variables and outputs to the amount of material used in the sections. The paper shows how using the new sections and changing parameters may maximize the system efficiency to raise toughness and elastic load limit up to 3.94 times and 3.78 respectively from the traditional system. Finally, important conclusions are withdrawn about the efficiency of the new sections. Withdrawn conclusions are emphasizing that using back-to-back cold formed sections with a certain arrangement is much beneficious than traditional used sections.