ELISSA project: tests on connection systems for cold-formed steel structures

The European project named "Energy Efficient LIghtweight-Sustainable-SAfe-Steel Construction" (Project acronym: ELISSA) is devoted to the development and demonstration of cold-formed steel (CFS) modular systems. In particular, these systems are nano-enhanced prefabricated lightweight steel skeleton/dry wall construction with improved thermal, vibration/seismic and fire performance, resulting from the inherent thermal, damping and fire spread prevention properties. From a structural point of view, the system is a sheathed-braced CFS solution, in which the seismic resistant elements are made of “Cocoon” CFS stud shear walls laterally braced by “Knauf” gypsum-based panels. The project plans the study of the different physical perfomance on the basis of three levels: micro-scale, meso-scale and macro-scale. This paper presents the micro-scale experimental activity carried out on components and, in particular, the results of monotonic and cyclic tests on connection systems. The tested specimens are clinching for steel-to-steel connection, whereas the fasteners used for panel-to-steel connections of walls and floors are ballistic nails.