A numerical study on seismic characteristics of knee-braced cold formed steel shear walls

Non-linear finite element analyses were carried out to evaluate and optimize the seismic characteristics of knee-braced cold formed steel shear walls using software ANSYS. Different structural characteristics including: material nonlinearity, geometric imperfection, residual stresses and perforations are taken into account. The numerical models were verified based on experimental tests. Agreement of the numerical simulations and the test results showed that finite element analysis can be used effectively to predict the ultimate capacity of knee-braced CFS shear panels. A total of 12 models with a various ranges of knee-elements' lengths were investigated. Of particular interests were the specimens' maximum lateral load capacity and deformation behavior in addition to a rational estimation of the seismic response modification factor. Preliminary conclusions presented in this paper, refer to the optimum seismic characteristics of knee-braced CFS shear walls and the corresponding dimensions and configuration.

► Knee-braced cold formed steel structure.
► Lateral performance of cold formed steel shear wall.
► Seismic response modification factor.
► Numerical Finite Element analysis.
► Optimization.