| Unstiffened thin steel plate shear walls are relatively new system to resist lateral loads in multi-story buildings. Ten quarter scale, one-bay three-story shear wall models were tested to study the cyclic loading behavior. Two major parameters were examined: connection of framing members and thickness of in-fill steel plate. The frames of the specimens were constructed using either shear or moment connection. Three different plate thickness, 0.0299 inch, 0.0747 inch, and 0.1046 inch, were used to form the shear wall model. Effect of opening and aspect ratio (b/h) were also evaluated.; To examine the post-buckling strength under cyclic loading, specimens were cyclically deflected to maximum 2% of the specimen height. Some specimen were tested twice to evaluate the reusability of the structure after been subjected to a set of cyclic loads. Response of an identical frame without in-fill plate panels provided a reference line to the remaining specimens. Stiffness and energy dissipation were computed for each specimen to compare the overall behavior. Plate buckling shape, and diagonal tension field action were investigated to study the post buckling strength of the in-fill plate. General responses of each specimen were given in part I of this report. The detail test results were included in part II.; Although more experimental work are needed in order to develop a design guide, a basic conclusion drawn from the tests was that thin steel plate shear wall is feasible in resisting seismic load and provides light weight, high ductility, and economic design. Recommendations were made regarding the thickness of the in-fill plate and the relative stiffness of plate to the framing structures (beams and columns). Additional experimental work is recommended. |
