Study on the shear resistance of CFS walls with built-up side columns

Abstract

This study experimentally and numerically investigated the shear resistance of cold-formed steel (CFS) walls with built-up side columns. Horizontal monotonic and reversed cyclic loading tests were performed on four full-scale CFS walls. The influence of aspect ratio on the shear resistance of the walls was investigated in terms of load-displacement curves, skeleton curves, energy dissipation, stiffness degradation, and cyclic bearing capacity degradation. The shear capacity, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of CFS walls with built-up side columns (CFSWs) were effectively improved with decreasing aspect ratio. In addition, finite element models of the wall specimens were established using ABAQUS and validated against the test results. A parametric study with twelve finite element models was also conducted to examine further the effect of essential parameters, including the aspect ratio, stiffeners, and thickness, on the lateral behavior of CFSWs.