ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This paper presents some results obtained from both experimental and theoretical studies carried out at the University of Naples on the seismic behaviour of light-gauge steel stickbuilt residential buildings. Experimental tests have been carried out on two full-scale prototypes designed in such a way to contain all the structural elements and components used for this type of structures. Experimental results allow considerations on typical seismic behaviour issues (capacity design, in plane strength and stiffness of horizontal diaphragms, performance criteria) to be drawn. The theoretical part of the study has been dedicated to both judge the seismic performance of the structure under increasing seismic intensity levels and develop an ad-hoc cyclic loading protocol for physical tests. Finally, the planning of a new testing program aiming to characterize the behaviour of sheathing-to-member connections is then illustrated.
