Static resistance function of cold-formed steel stud walls

Abstract

Previous research focused on the optimization of conventional stud-to-track wall systems for moderate blast threat level protection. It has been concluded that adding extra screws is a practical and an efficient solution for altering the failure mechanisms and increasing the blast resistant characteristics of these wall systems. This paper is focused on the evaluation of the static blast-resistance of conventional cold-formed steel stud wall systems. A general analytical model of the resistance, which is the first necessary step for performing dynamic response predictions under blast, is presented in this paper. A case study of sufficiently screwed stud-to-track connection is selected for further inspection and investigation. Particular emphasis is placed on the effect of including utility holes and sheathing on the static resistance of the wall system. For each experimental test, strain data were collected up to the failure point from a total of 11 longitudinal strain gauges installed on locations of interest. A finite element model was developed to include the sheathing effect and to add flexibility to the simulation of the conventional connection. Strain results provided insightful observations about the behavior of the stud and were used to validate the numerical simulations as well.