Experimental analysus of Light Gauge Steel Framing composite beams flooring systems

importance of substrate layout

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the structural behavior of flooring systems in Light Gauge Steel Framing (LGSF), composed of cold-formed steel beams associated with plywood panel substrates. The research focuses on evaluating the composite action developed between the steel profiles and the wooden panels, as well as the influence of different board layout configurations – namely, the relative positioning of joints and supports – on the mechanical response. Five full-scale flooring models with distinct substrate arrangements were tested, assessing deflection, stress, strain, and failure mechanisms. The results confirm the presence of significant composite behavior, with increases above 50% in ultimate load capacity compared to the bare-steel model. Vertical deflections were also reduced by 16% to 21%. The four plywood layout configurations exhibited very similar responses, indicating that board arrangement has negligible influence on both stiffness and strength. The study advances the technical understanding of composite dry flooring systems and supports the development of optimized structural solutions for LGSF construction.