Seismic response of CFS shear walls sheathed with nailed gypsum panels: Experimental tests

Among the several available building systems, constructions involving cold-formed steel (CFS) profiles represent an efficient and reliable solution. These systems are very suitable to be used in pre-fabricated modular constructions, thanks to their lightness and possibility to automate the building process. In a framework of the European project ELISSA (Energy Efficient LIghtweight-Sustainable-SAfe-Steel Construction), which was devoted to the development and demonstration of CFS modular systems, an experimental campaign aimed at investigating the seismic response of this system was carried out at University of Naples Federico II. Specifically, the studied system was a sheathing-braced CFS solution, in which the seismic resistant elements were made of CFS stud shear walls laterally braced with gypsum-based panels. The sheathing panels were attached to the CFS frame by means of ballistic nails, whereas clinching points were used for steel-to-steel connections. This paper shows the results of tests performed on shear walls and on the relevant ballistically nailed panel-to-steel connections. In particular, four full scale shear walls were tested, in which the influence of the aspect ratio, the type of loading and the effect of finishing was investigated.