On the response of reinforced concrete frames infilled with light gauge steel panels including different coverings – Numerical simulation

In this study, a numerical simulation is performed to virtually test the response of multiple designs of Reinforced Concrete Frames (RCF) infilled with Light Gauge Steel (LGS) panels including Cold Formed Steel (CFS) members and coverings of different nature (steel sheet, and OSB plate). The behavioural tendencies were identified through the assessment of the load bearing capacities of the infilled frames as well as the main failure mechanisms. The deformed shape of each component at the end of the analysis was scrutinized. It was found that the steel sheet panel provides an increase in the capacity of the RCF up to 42.1 % (1.42 times) with a corresponding displacement of 37.9 mm; while the OSB panel has increased the RCF capacity up to 54.3 % (1.54 times) with a displacement value of 35.8 mm. The main failure modes included deformation of the CFS members and separation of the coverings under different shapes, however, concrete elements did not exhibit any noticeable rupture to report.