Lateral performance of cold-formed steel-framed domestic structures

This paper presents key outcomes of an investigation in the performance of domestic structures with cold formed steel frames. The primary objective of this research project was to assess the performance and behaviour of these structures when subjected to earthquake loading. The research involved an extensive racking and dynamic testing program on both two- and three-dimensional framing configurations. A variety of construction details was tested to identify the critical components and assess the contributions from the non-structural components, particularly the plasterboard lining. It is concluded that the steel frames perform very well under earthquake loads. Non-structural components, such as plasterboard lining, make a significant contribution to the lateral bracing of the frames. The failure mechanisms and the load sharing between the various components are also identified and discussed.