ABSTRACT
Recent research developments in seismic resistance of structures highlight the need to overcome some limitations of current codified force-based and prescriptive design rules and to implement a probabilistic performance-based approach. The new methodology is almost mature to be applied in the design and analysis of classic reinforced concrete and steel structures, whilst its application to light-gauge cold-formed steel framed structures remains largely unexplored. Within a more comprehensive research project, this paper would represent a first step towards the extension of recently developed performance-based seismic design concepts to steel stud shear wall systems, with walls made up of wood and/or gypsum. The study of existing experimental data and the planning of a new testing program aiming at characterizing the deformation capacity of this structural system is then presented.
