SEDL / STP / STP1180-EB / STP19613S

Laboratory Study of the Corrosion of Steel Studs and Screws Used in Masonry Walls

Kudder, RJ
Principal, Raths, Raths and Johnson, Inc., Willowbrook, Illinois

Slater, JE
Principal, Invetech, Inc. Engineering and Materials Consultants, Houston, Texas

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1993

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Abstract

Steel-stud/brick-veneer walls utilizes metal studs as the backup for brick masonry veneers. Screws are used to secure a tie or anchor to the stud. This system is unique in masonry construction because the engagement of the threaded shank of the screw into a cold-formed steel stud is relied upon to laterally secure the exterior masonry wythe. The generally successful use for the traditional cavity wall ties and anchors mays not necessarily apply to steel-stud/brick-veneer walls because of this reliance on the screw threads. The environment in a masonry cavity may support corrosion. The effects of corrosion on the load capacity of the screw is a concern associated with this masonry system. This paper discusses an laboratory study of the tensile capacity of screws in metal studs, and the change in capacity over time when these metals are in a warm, humid environment.