Cold-Formed Steel Framed Gypsum Shear Walls: In-Plane Response

Abstract

Cold-formed steel (CFS) framed gypsum shear walls are common elements on light-frame structures, and they may be designed as the primary lateral force-resisting (LFR) system or function as secondary LFR elements. This paper presents the results of monotonic and reversed cyclic gypsum shear wall tests and discusses wall performance in detail. Increased strengths and wall toughness may be achieved with closer intermediate panel fastener spacing, and the difference between monotonic and reversed cyclic shear wall responses, although different, may not be significant. Additionally, aspect ratio and abutting supported vertical panel joints have little effect on shear wall performance. The scope of testing also introduces three new panel attachment configurations for design. Overall, this paper’s discussion provides a helpful supplemental commentary on the performance of CFS framed gypsum shear walls.