Cold-formed steel stud walls subject to distortional buckling failures under ambient and fire conditions

Abstract

Structurally efficient cold-formed web-stiffened steel studs are increasingly used in light steel framed walls, but they are prone to distortional buckling. This research investigates the distortional buckling behaviour of gypsum plasterboard sheathed studs under both ambient and fire conditions. Using experimental, numerical and analytical studies, the composite behaviour of steel studs and sheathing subject to distortional buckling was investigated and improved design guidelines were developed allowing for safe and economical design. Overall, this research has significantly enhanced the knowledge and understanding of the behaviour and design of cold-formed steel stud walls subject to distortional buckling under ambient and fire conditions.