Enhancement of Lateral Performance of K-braces in Light Steel Frames

Nowadays, the application of cold-formed steel members is well established in light steel framing structures around the world. One of the economical methods of lateral bracing of light steel structures is to utilize sections with the same type of main members in the form of K-bracing. In this paper, the racking behavior of six frames with dimensions of 2.40×2.40m and different arrangement of studs and bracing members was numerically investigated. In Nonlinear finite element model of frames, different failure modes were examined such as distortional buckling of studs, tearing of track flange, buckling of bracing members and bearing of connections. Regarding these failure modes, the structure characteristics such as ductility, lateral strength and lateral stiffness were studied. Finally, through using a novel method has been proposed in this paper, racking performance of K-bracing system is improved.