Fragility curves for thin-walled cold-formed steel wall frames affected by ground settlements due to land subsidence

This report presents the results of a study on the performance of thin-walled cold-formed steel wall frames with different sheathing systems affected by angular distortions simulating ground differential settlements due to land subsidence. The wall frames are sheathed with different systems: expanded polystyrene, OSB, calcium silicate and gypsum board. Using experimental testing and numerical simulation, moment-rotation curves were calculated for the studs. A non-linear static pull-down analysis was performed producing several degrees of angular distortion simulating ground settlements. Lastly, fragility curves were calculated based on three levels of damage for wall frames with different sheathing systems.