Strength and Stiffness of Conventional Bridging Systems for Cold-Formed Cee Studs

A testing program has been carried out on typical bridging components and connections used in North American practice to provide bracing to cold-formed lipped cee-studs, in order to determine the in-plane and out-of-plane strength and stiffness of the bridging components and connections. Bridging systems tested included cold-formed bridging channels directly welded to the stud, bridging channels connected to the stud web through a welded connection to a clip angle, and bridging channels connected to the stud web through a screwed connection to a clip angle. Bridging connections were loaded axially (into the stud web) and laterally (parallel to the stud web). Separate analysis of the test results indicates that, within the range tested, conventional bridging used in current North American practice has adequate stiffness and strength to brace axially loaded and curtain wall steel studs.