Analysis of Load-Bearing Wall Studs Under Combined Loading

Metal studs are widely used in structural flaming, such as in load-bearing wall studs. However, selecting the appropriate cross-section and size can be challenging and requires detailed calculations.

When calculating the performance of load-bearing wall studs under combined loads, the AISI S100 standard must be followed. First, identify the relevant loads; then, perform a computational analysis for different load combinations; finally, verify the web crippling and deflection of the wall studs.

Conditions and Related Loads for Wall Studs

Specified (unfactored) Loads:        Axial live load (L)   = 15.0 kN/stud

Axial dead load (D)  =8.0 kN/stud

Wind load (W)      =1.2 kPa

Conditions:                         Stud height = 3.2 m                       

Stud spacing = 406 mm o.c.

Deflection limit = L/600

Assume studs are braced by bridging only      

Solution of wall studs

Based on the data above, select according to the table in the SOLIDECK Studs Catalog: 600S162-54 metal studs at 406 mm o.c.

Dead load only

Factored load combination            = 1.4D

C_f  (factored axial load)              = 1.4D = 1.4(8.0) = 11.2 kN/stud

From Combined Axial and Lateral Load table, the limiting factored compressive resistance for 0 kPa factored lateral load.

C_r=36.6 kN/stud   

Since C_r = 36.6 kN/stud > C_f = 11.2 kN/stud         ∴OK

Dead + Wind + Live Load

a) Factored load combination # 1        = 1.25D + 1.5L + 0.4W

W_f (factored wind load)              =0.4W

                                  = 0.4(1.25)= 0.5 kPa

C (factored axial load)                = 1.25D + 1.5L

=1.25(8.0) + 1.5(15.0)

=32.5 kN/stud

From Combined Axial and Lateral Load table, the limiting factored compressive resistance for 0.50 kPa factored lateral load.

C_r=33.7 kN/stud

Since C_r= 33.7 kN/stud > C_f = 32.5 kN/stud         ∴OK

b) Factored load combination # 2      = 1.25D + 0.5L + 1.4W

W _f (factored wind load)             = 1.4W = 1.4(1.25)= 1.75 kPa

C _f (factored axial load)             = 1.25D+ 0.5L= 1.25(8.0) + 0.5(15.0)

                                   = 17.5 kN/stud

From Combined Axial and Lateral Load table, the limiting factored compressive resistance for 1.5 kPa and 2.0 kPa factored lateral load

Cr = 28.0 kN/stud (for 1.5 kPa)   Cr = 25.3 kN/stud (for 2.0 kPa)

By interpolation for 1.75 kPa, Cr = 26.7 kN/stud > 17.5 kN/stud     ∴ OK

Check of wall studs solution

According to AISI S100, checks for web crippling and deflection should also be performed.

Web crippling check

From Single Span Curtain Wall Limiting Heights table for a 1.25 kPa specified wind load, web crippling does not control.

Deflection check

Deflection check is performed based on L/600 of the deflection. From Single Span Curtain Wall Limiting Heights table, the limiting stud height for a specified wind

load of 1.25 kPa and a deflection limit of L/600 is 4.3 m.

Since 4.3 m > 3.2 m                                          ∴OK

Conclusions on the Calculation of Load-Bearing Walls studs

The above outlines the entire calculation process for Load-Bearing Wall Studs Under Combined Loading.According to our calculations,Use 600S162-54 section spaced at 406 mm o.c. with 2 bridging lines arranged so that the maximum spacing does not exceed 1.22 m o.c.