Influence of Fire on the Shear Capacity of Cold-Formed Steel Framed Shear Walls

Published

November 7, 2018

Author(s)

Matthew S. Hoehler, Blanca Andres Valiente

Abstract

This paper presents experimental investigations of the performance of common lateral force- resisting systems used in cold-formed steel construction under sequential thermal (fire) and mechanical (earthquake) loading. Wall specimens with gypsum-sheet steel composite sheathing, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) sheathing, or steel strap bracing were tested. The results indicate that the OSB sheathed walls are more sensitive to fire-induced reduction of lateral capacity than the other investigated wall systems. Additionally, fire performance can be affected by pre-damage to the gypsum boards that provide fire protection to these walls. The results are useful for fire compartmentation design when significant lateral deformation of a building is anticipated and post-fire assessment to repair or replace a structure. The study represents a step toward developing fire fragility functions for cold-formed steel framed shear wall systems to enable performance-based fire design.

Proceedings Title

Wei-Wen Yu International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures 2018

Conference Dates

November 7-8, 2018

Conference Location

St. Louis, MO

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

cold-formed steel, lateral force-resisting system, fire, earthquake, gypsum-sheet steel composite sheathing, Oriented Strand Board, strap bracing

Citation

Hoehler, M. and Andres, B. (2018), Influence of Fire on the Shear Capacity of Cold-Formed Steel Framed Shear Walls, Wei-Wen Yu International Specialty Conference on Cold-Formed Steel Structures 2018, St. Louis, MO, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=926198 (Accessed October 9, 2025)