Fire Resistance of Cold-Formed Steel Framed Shear Walls under Various Fire Scenarios

Published

July 16, 2019

Author(s)

Blanca Andres Valiente, Matthew Hoehler, Matthew Bundy

Abstract

This paper presents results of large-scale experiments with varying levels of fire severity on lateral force-resisting systems commonly used in cold-formed steel framed buildings. Gypsum- sheet steel composite panel sheathed walls, oriented strand board sheathed walls, and steel strap braced walls are investigated. Post-flashover fire conditions of mild and severe intensity, as well as 1-hour of fire exposure similar to that in a standard furnace qualification test are studied. Additionally, a full-scale furnished kitchen fire experiment is conducted for comparison. The results highlight differences in the thermal exposure and consequent performance of the walls, as well as sensitives of the walls to pre-damage; e.g., that might occur during an earthquake. The results are part of a larger effort to provide fire fragilities for these wall systems in response to realistic fires for performance-based design.

Citation

Fire and Materials

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.2744

Local Download

Keywords

cold-formed steel, fire, fire following earthquake, gypsum-sheet steel composite panel, oriented strand board, shear walls, strap braced walls, performance-based design

Citation

Andres Valiente, B. , Hoehler, M. and Bundy, M. (2019), Fire Resistance of Cold-Formed Steel Framed Shear Walls under Various Fire Scenarios, Fire and Materials, [online], https://doi.org/10.1002/fam.2744, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=927363 (Accessed October 15, 2025)