Shear performance of sheathed LSF walls

Abstract Light Steel Framed (LSF) buildings are industrialised dry construction solutions that combine a steel frame of cold‐formed sections with sheathing materials. In these buildings, the main structural functions are assigned to the wall and floor systems. In particular, the shear walls provide the lateral bracing against wind and seismic forces that is fundamental to the stability of the whole building. In recent years, many studies have been carried out on different typologies of shear walls; however, there are currently no practical design criteria for assessing the performance of such components. Therefore, the most common design approach is the design by testing method. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign focusing on the performance of walls under monotonic and cyclic shear loading. The study examines the response of five typologies of shear walls, focusing on the influence of different factors: i) type of steel skeleton, ii) type of sheathing, iii) aspect ratio of the walls, iv) presence of an opening simulating a window. In the paper, attention is first focused on the test set‐up and the experimental procedure adopted. The results of the tests are then presented and compared, focusing on the influence of the parameters considered in the study.