Development of a design methodology for steel frame/wood panel shear walls

This thesis provides details on the 109 specimen main testing program as well as a summary of past wood frame and steel frame shear wall research. An extensive review of existing data interpretation methodologies is presented. The equivalent energy elastic-plastic (EEEP) technique is chosen as most suitable for the wall systems under study to deduce key design parameters including the yield wall resistance, elastic stiffness, and system ductility. It is recommended that the EEEP methodology be implemented for all future steel frame/wood panel shear wall data interpretation. The calibration of a resistance factor for use with the limit states design philosophy consistent with the upcoming draft version of the 2005 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) is also presented.; It was found that a resistance factor (phi) of 0.7 provided sufficient reliability and a reasonable factor of safety under the NBCC wind loading case. Final nominal strength and unit elastic stiffness values for use in design are presented in tabular format according to given perimeter fastener schedules. Finally, recommendations for future research and testing are outlined. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...