A nonlinear finite element model of lightweight walls with cold formed steel members under lateral load

Abstract

This article presents the results of an investigation aimed at generating finite element models (FEM) for studying lateral load behavior of lightweight walls composed of a typical steel framing and different coating materials. Initially, the elements and connections were characterized with standard tests, based on this information and research by [1] finite element models were built that included the nonlinear behavior of the connections between elements. This model was updated for different coating materials using experimental results of lateral loads test conduced on full-scale prototypes for five different coating configurations. However large differences were found when compared the model updating parameters with initial parameters on the FEM model. These differences are attributed to the dissimilar materials working together as a composite rather than as individually. The model was validated with a configuration combining coating materials producing results with a 6.9% difference with respect to experimental data. This indicates an acceptable predictability of the model for other coating materials.

Keywords

• cold formed steel framing
• finite element
• model updating
• lateral load
• shear wall panels