Improved Static Resistance and Failure Mechanisms of Conventional Cold-Formed Steel Stud Walls

Abstract

Because most of the research conducted in the area of blast-resistant and retrofit designs of cold-formed steel studs has focused on high threat levels, a need exists to examine moderate blast level protection. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate and upgrade the capacities of conventionally connected cold-formed steel stud-track systems for blast-resistant design. This objective was achieved by performing quasi-static experiments on full-length (3 m) wall samples to investigate the effect of stud and track gauges, screw sizes, and screws layout on the resistance of the wall. A numerical model was developed and verified using the experimental results. Because the model showed excellent agreement with the experimental results, it was used to perform a series of simulation tests. The finite-element model, along with a failure criterion that was developed to predict the failure point of the simulated tests, provided an economical alternative way to investigate the resistance. Valuable recommendations to enhance the resistance behavior of conventional stud-track wall systems are provided.