This paper presents the experimental and analytical studies of an innovative light-gage, cold-formed steel (CFS) frame for use as a practical solution for the multi-story, light-framed (wood and CFS steel) buildings with large openings. The frame utilizes CFS C-shaped beams and columns bolted to each other to form a four-sided frame similar in appearance to a shear wall with Force Transfer Around Openings (FTAO). The primary energy dissipation mechanism of the frame is designed to be the post-yield hinge behavior within the panel zones formed at the intersection of beams and columns. To verify the concept, identify possible limit states (including buckling of CFS sections), and investigate the effect of various parameters on the performance of the CFS frame, a series of full-scale cyclic experiments along with nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) were conducted. The tests and FEA were also utilized to demonstrate seismic performance equivalency with conventional wood sheathed shear walls in a code defined system using a method similar to FEMA P795 as a basis for the evaluation. The study confirmed that the design and detailing of the frame result in a seismic resisting element that meets or exceeds the strength, stiffness, and ductility requirements of a code defined wood or CFS shear wall. The frame uses a capacity-based approach to design and to achieve the performance expectations, through panel zone yielding
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