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Lateral Resistance Reduction to Cold-Formed Steel-Framed Shear Walls under Various Fire Scenarios
Matthew S Hoehler1, Blanca Andres2, Matthew F Bundy3
1Research Structural Engineer, National Fire Research Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Journal of Structural Engineering (New York, N.Y.)
|October 12, 2020
Summary
This study tested cold-formed steel building systems under earthquake and fire loads. Results show fire intensity progressively reduces structural capacity, with varied sensitivity across wall types.
Area of Science:
- Structural Engineering
- Fire Safety Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cold-formed steel (CFS) structures are increasingly used in buildings.
- Understanding their performance under combined hazards like earthquakes and fires is critical for safety.
- Existing research often focuses on single hazard scenarios, necessitating studies on combined loading effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural response of CFS lateral force-resisting systems under combined simulated earthquake and fire loading.
- To evaluate the influence of fire intensity and pre-damage on the post-fire performance of different wall types.
- To provide data for improved design practices considering multi-hazard scenarios.
Main Methods:
- Conducted full-scale experiments on CFS-framed walls with gypsum-sheet steel composite panels, oriented strand board (OSB), and steel strap bracing.
- Subjected 22 test specimens to sequential cyclic shear deformation and fires of varying intensities, simulating both standard furnace tests and actual building fires.
- Included tests with pre-damaged walls to replicate fire-following-earthquake scenarios.
Main Results:
- A consistent, progressive decrease in post-fire lateral load capacity was observed with increasing fire intensity for all tested wall types.
- Different wall constructions (gypsum-sheet steel composite, OSB, steel strap braced) exhibited varying sensitivities to fire intensity and pre-damage.
- Pre-damage significantly impacted the structural response, particularly under higher fire intensities.
Conclusions:
- The structural integrity of CFS lateral force-resisting systems is compromised by fire exposure, with capacity reduction directly related to fire intensity.
- Designers must consider the specific wall system's sensitivity to fire and potential pre-existing damage when planning for multi-hazard events.
- This research provides crucial insights for enhancing the resilience of CFS buildings against combined earthquake and fire events.
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