Effect of openings on cold formed steel shear wall panels

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of openings on global performance of Cold Formed Steel Shear Wall Panels is investigated numerically using the ABAQUS software. A benchmark model is first validated in terms of lateral shear capacity and nonlinear behaviour of the CFS-SWP. The failure mode of the CFS-SWP with opening is identified and validated. Subsequently, a parametric study on the effect of size and position of openings is conducted, in which the opening position is found to have a significant impact on the CFS-SWP performance. The benchmark model can be used for design purposes to evaluate with good accuracy the reduced ultimate strength of individual CFS-SWPs for any size and position of openings.