Innovative bracing system for CFS-LWG structures: planning of a research project

Due to their numerous advantages, Lightweight Steel (LWS) systems made of Cold Formed Steel (CFS) profiles have widely spread for low- and medium- rise residential buildings in seismic areas. A new research project has been started at University of Naples “Federico II” in cooperation with Lamieredil S.p.A. Company. The main goal of the project is the development of an innovative lateral force resisting system (LFRS), consisting of a CFS stud wall equipped with an anti-seismic device. The anti-seismic device mainly consists of a pre-tensioned Ultra High Strength (UHS) steel brace, working as pre-tensioned elastic spring, which may dissipate seismic energy by its yielding. The lateral performances of this LFRS will be evaluated through an experimental campaign carried out at Lab of the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples “Federico II”. The experimental activity will mainly include monotonic and cyclic tests on fullscale walls and shake-table tests on a representative mock-up. The paper summarizes the research project in detail, the experimental program and the design of the innovative system and prototype.