In cold-formed steel construction the steel frame is supplemented with either diagonal strap braces or structural sheathing panels (typically steel or wood) to provide overall stability to the structural system and to directly transfer lateral wind and seismic loads through to the foundation as per the design provisions found in AISI S240 (2015) and AISI S400 (2015). Gypsum panels are often specified to provide a fire-resistance rating for the CFS frame, as well as to ensure that adequate sound-proofing exists between adjacent rooms or building units. The engineer may choose to rely on this gypsum to provide additional lateral resistance, as permitted in the AISI Standards. However, in the majority of cases the gypsum panels are considered to be non-structural elements of the building specified by the architect, and as such, are not taken into account in the design of the lateral load carrying system. Whether considered in the design process or not, these gypsum panels do augment the shear resistance of the lateral load carrying system. This study was carried out to evaluate the performance of combined strap-braced / gypsum-sheathed wall systems, with the intent of defining a corresponding design approach. Described herein are the findings of the laboratory phase of the project, comprising 35 wall specimens.
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