Innovative side‐framed lightweight steel system: experimental and analytical study

Abstract

Lightweight steel framing (LSF) systems are becoming popular as low‐carbon systems, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, conventional floor‐to‐wall LSF connections result in oversized joists due to deflection‐governed design and premature failures caused by load eccentricities limiting the LSF systems structural efficiency. To overcome these barriers, a new approach was developed that fastens the webs of the studs and joists. Preliminary analyses showed increased connection rotational stiffness leading to more efficient designs. However, the simulation of fastener behaviour relied on an implicit method providing only partial insights into the critical screw shear and hole bearing deformations. A comprehensive experimental programme was conducted on the newly proposed side‐framed system using full‐scale specimens consisting of a two‐stud and joist assembly tested under cantilever loading. After an initial monotonic test, six cyclic tests were performed on various configurations, assessing elements slenderness, number of screws, and flooring deck presence to observe different failure modes. The results indicated that selecting adequate stud thickness and screws quantity can significantly enhance connection stiffness, leading to more efficient joist designs.