Behaviour of ferrocement-sheeted cold-formed steel wall studs

Abstract

A detailed description of both the properties and uses of Ferrocement and Cold-Formed Steel is presented in the first four Chapters. In Chapters Four and Five, the Cantilever Shear Tests and Axial load Tests are described and analysed. In the Cantilever Shear Tests, the assemblies behaved as predicted. The values obtained for Shear Stiffness and Permissible Shear Strain of Ferrocement panels are reasonable. Cracks when present, were localised at end screws while shear failure of screws was the general failure mode. In the Axial load Tests of the full-scale wall assemblies, the Ferrocement panels remained almost intact even at ultimate loads. Shear failure of screws in upper and lower tracks, following localised buckling of studs at point between load application and first screw along stud, was the general failure mode. This failure mode reflects the high shear stiffness of Ferrocement in the plane of loading.