Lightweight cold-formed steel (CFS) framing is an effective building solution for low and mid-rise structures. However, systems level response and component contributions as well as their interactions are not fully understood. Existing building codes for CFS frame buildings are based solely on the stiffness of lateral-load resisting frames and do not explicitly incorporate systems response. This paper presents the first-phase of a multi-year project aimed at generating knowledge and tools needed to increase the seismic safety of CFS frame buildings.
The first phase of the study focuses on the design, instrumentation plan, component tests and preliminary analysis of full-scale two-story CFS frame buildings that are tested on shake tables at University at Buffalo NEES Facility in the second phase. This paper provides detailed design of a prototype CFS frame building and instrumentation plan for the shake table tests at Buffalo.