Numerical simulation on shear performance and conversion method considering height to width ratio effect of cold-formed steel framing walls using OpenSees

The cold-formed steel (CFS) framing wall is the main lateral resistance component of cold-formed thin-walled steel structures. In order to realize the efficient finite element modeling and mechanical properties analysis of the CFS framing wall, OpenSees finite element software and fastener-based modeling method were used to establish a variety of representative refinement models. By comparing the full-scale test walls with different sheathing boards, including gypsum board, OSB board, corrugated steel plate, and walls with or without opening, the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The ratios of experimental and simulated values of yield load and peak load are both between 0. 9 and 1. 1. The proposed modeling process and method were verified, as well as the rationality of modeling corrugated steel plate as an orthotropic plate. Based on the modeling method, the difference between internal force distribution of the self-tapping screws group and the influence law of the sheathing materials were analyzed. The results show that the force of the screw connection in the corner is larger, and the damage occurres first. The elastic modulus of sheathing is negatively correlated with the deformation capacity of wall. Finally, considering two cases of width change and height change, the parametric modeling and analysis were carried out, and the load-displacement curve conversion method of CFS framing wall with different height-width ratio was proposed, which could be used for macro-equivalent elements modeling and mechanical properties calculation of the walls. © 2023 Science Press. All rights reserved.