ABSTRACT
This paper presents a test program carried out to study the inelastic response of steel roof deck diaphragms for low-rise steel buildings subjected to seismic loading. Tests were performed on 3.6 m x 6.1 m diaphragm specimens made of 38 mm deep x 914 mm wide corrugated steel deck elements. The thickness of the sheet steel and the type and spacing of the fasteners were varied, as well as the applied loading history. Diaphragms built with screwed side lap fasteners and nailed deck-to-frame connectors exhibited a pinched hysteretic behaviour but could sustain large inelastic deformation cycles with limited strength degradation. Higher shear resistance and less pinching was observed for systems that included welded with washer connections. However, their strength decreased rapidly after the peak load was reached and these systems should be designed for limited inelastic response. Deck systems with button punched side laps and frame welds without washers showed a brittle response and should be designed to remain elastic under severe earthquake motions.
