COMPARISON OF THE CANTILEVER AND TWO-BAY SIMPLE-BEAM DIAPHRAGM TESTING METHODS

Two methods for testing diaphragm panels to determine their in-plane shear stiffnesses and strengths were compared. Six panels constructed of light-gauge steel sheets fastened to wood frames were used in this study. Three panels were tested by using a two-bay, simple-beam method. Three panels were tested by using a cantilever testing method. The cantilever panels were tested twice. They were retested after two purlin-to-chord connections on each panel were reinforced.