Experimental tests on typical screw connections for cold-formed steel housing

Experimental test results on screw connections between wood- or gypsum-based panels and cold-formed steel stud profiles are presented. The main objectives of the study are as follows: (1) to compare the response of different types of panels; (2) to study the effect of sheathing orientation; (3) to examine the effect of the loaded edge distance; (4) to examine the effect of different cyclic loading protocols; (5) to asses the effect of the loading rate. The outcomes of this experimental investigation are deeply discussed, aiming to select the main parameters affecting the shear behaviour of this type of connections. In addition, a procedure for the prediction of the lateral load–displacement response of steel frame/panel systems based on the obtained results is presented.