The response of domestic light gauge steel frame bracing subjected to earthquake loadings

Abstract

Light gauge steel framing currently accounts for a significant and increasing proportion of the nation's domestic framing market and has great potential for overseas export. In this study a typical domestic light gauge steel frame is experimentally tested when subjected to earthquake loadings. These loadings were simulated using the biaxial shaking table facility at The University of Melbourne. Experimental results are compared with corresponding analytical results. The frames are shown to perform well under significant seismic loading although minor enhancements could be made.