Numerical modeling of static nonlinear behavior of cold-formed steel stud walls

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Cold-formed steel studs have been approved for their blast-resistance capability. Research concerns nowadays focus on how to adapt and develop the wall system to resist different levels of blast threats. Recently, experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate several proposed ways to enhance stud resistance against moderate blast loading. However, lab testing is of a time and a cost consuming nature. Consequently, the provision to develop a comprehensive numerical model for cold-formed steel stud walls using various connection details and bracing scenarios is urgently needed. This research puts a spotlight upon the nonlinear finite element analysis focusing on developing a suitable numerical model using ABAQUS as a finite element analysis tool. The developed model passed through a series of verifications using existing quasi-static tests data, obtained over the past 10 years, to examine the model efficiency in tracing the full load-deflection response of the wall system. The verified model was exploited to study the effect of stud gauge and screw configuration on the blast resistance. To provide an alternative tool to performing lab experiments, a failure criterion was developed, based on the different limit states of the wall components, to predict the model failure point from which the toughness was estimated. Applying ABAQUS along with the developed failure criterion, the overall performance of steel stud walls was investigated and analyzed through a total of twenty numerical simulations.