Monotonic and cyclic loading tests for cold-formed steel wall frames sheathed with calcium silicate board

This research is concentrated on the structural strength and behavior of cold-formed steel wall frame sheathed with calcium silicate board under shear load. Test specimens with two different thicknesses of sheathing were assembled, 9 mm and 12 mm, with one-side or two-side of attachment. Monotonic shear and cyclic loading tests are conducted on wall specimens utilizing two C sections connected back-to-back to be as chord studs and calcium silicate board sheathing on the exterior. Based on the test results, detailed discussions on the strength, stiffness, energy absorption, ductility ratio, and failure mode of cold-formed steel wall specimens are given. It is noted that the failure mostly occurred at the bottom track of wall specimens due to the large deformation or tearing failure of track. The wall strength is not affected by the change of sheathingʹs thickness significantly, but wall frames attached with two-side calcium silicate board sheathing provide higher resisting strength and stiffness than those attached with one-side sheathing. In this study, test results are also used to compare with the previous study that single chord stud was used in the assembly of wall frame. In addition, the suggested response modification factor of the wall sheathed with calcium silicate board is proposed for design purpose.