Analytical predictions of strength and deflection of light gauge steel frame / wood panel shear walls

Abstract

It is anticipated that the construction of buildings that incorporate light gauge steel frame/wood panel shear walls as primary lateral load resisting elements will increase across Canada in coming years. At present, a codified method for the prediction of shear wall strength and stiffness is not available in Canada. For this reason an investigation of various analytical prediction methods was completed. The racking strength and stiffness of steel frame/wood panel shear walls have been shown to be highly dependent on the behaviour of the sheathing connections. An experimental program involving over 200 small-scale tests was first carried out to establish the performance of steel stud to wood sheathing connections. This information was then utilized in a comparison of five existing analytical/mechanics based methods to predict the strength and deflection of wood framed shear walls. These existing analytical methods were adapted for use with the steel framed walls. A comparison of the predicted strength and deflection values was then made with the results of full-scale shear wall tests. Based on the comparison between test and predicted shear wall response the elastic models presented by Källsner & Lam were recommended for use to predict the lateral resistance and deflection of light gauge steel frame/wood panel shear walls under monotonic and cyclic loading. At the same time, the shear capacity and initial stiffness as measured from tests of single sheathing connections with an edge distance of 25 mm, and which were evaluated using an equivalent energy approach, were recommended as the input connection parameters for both the strength and deflection models. © 2006 Springer.