Requirements for the Use of Corrugated Metal Shear Walls as a Lateral System

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Get information about requirements for using corrugated metal shear walls as a lateral system.
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In accordance with Structural Advisory Board decisions from August 2011 and January 2017, lateral systems using metal studs with corrugated steel sheathing (form deck as defined by the Steel Deck Institute) as vertical elements of the lateral load resisting system may be used with the following restrictions and minimum design requirements:  

  1. Lateral design shall use the following seismic coefficients :  R= 4.0, Cd= 3.5, and Ω0=2.0 

  1. This system may only be used in structures less than or equal to 35 ft in height. Structural height shall be measured from the base as defined in ASCE 7 to the overall mean roof height. It is not permitted to measure the structural height from the top of a podium structure where a two-stage analysis procedure is used for lateral design.   

  1. The thickness of decking material shall be 22 gage to 26 gage. 

  1. The thickness of the metal stud backing shall be greater than or equal to the thickness of the metal deck. The maximum stud spacing shall be no greater than 24 inches on center. 

  1. The lateral capacity of the system may be based on testing or calculated using  principles of mechanics, using values of fastener strength and sheathing shear resistance per procedures of AISI standard, S100  "North American Specification for the design of Cold formed Steel,” and AISI S213, “North American Standard for the design of Cold formed Steel  Framing- Lateral Design.” 

  1. The thickness of the metal studs shall be such that the governing  failure mode for the fasteners is “Shear limited by Tilting and Bearing,” section E4.3.1 of AISI S100