Buckling of Light-Gage Corrugated Metal Shear Diaphragms

Formulas for the elastic buckling loads of shear diaphragms are derived. They are obtained from an analysis of light-gage, corrugated-metal diaphragms of the type that occur in pre-engineered metal buildings. The formulas are applicable to any rectangular, orthotropic plate loaded in pure shear, and they are derived using orthotropic plate theory and the Ritz energy method. Small deflection theory is used first to establish critical loads and buckling modes. Then, large deflection theory is used to predict post-buckling load versus lateral deflection relationships. The results of experiments that were designed to verify the accuracy of the formulas are presented in the form of load versus lateral deflection curves covering the pre and post-buckling ranges. Several light-gage, corrugated-metal diaphragms of different size and corrugation shape were tested to determine their buckling behavior. The results of the experiments compare favorably with the formulas derived.