Seismic Design Method for CFS Diagonal Strap-Braced Stud Walls: Experimental Validation

The search for innovative methods to ensure high structural, technological, and environmental performance is an important issue in the development of new construction. Among the several available building systems, constructions involving the structural use of cold formed steel (CFS) profiles represent an efficient and reliable solution. In an effort to characterize the seismic response of CFS structures and to support the spread of these systems, a theoretical and experimental research has been carried out. It focused on the all-steel-design solution, in which CFS diagonal strap-braced stud walls are the main lateral resisting system. In order to overcome the lack of information in the current European codes, a critical analysis has been carried out of the requirements for these systems in difference codes for hot-rolled X-braced steel frames (tension-only). On the basis of the design hypothesis outlined from this analysis, a case study has been developed with the aim to define an extended experimental campaign involving 12 tests on full-scale CFS diagonal strap-braced stud walls. Finally, on the basis of experimental results, the assumed design prescriptions and requirements, such as the force modification factor and the capacity design rules, have been verified.