Grin and Bear It: The Complex Behavior of Studs Bearing on Concrete Slabs

Cold-formed steel studs installed on concrete slab floors are a ubiquitous scenario in light-framed construction. Current specifications treat this condition as an ideal uniform bearing condition. But should they? This presentation will examine a recent research campaign on stud bearing on concrete slabs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and discuss possible implications for designers.

Kara D. Peterman, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Dr. Kara Peterman is an associate professor int the University of Massachusetts Amherst Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where she runs the Basic Infrastructure Research Group. At UMass, Dr. Peterman investigates cold-formed and hot-rolled steel system behavior, seismic response of those systems, sustainability in basic infrastructure, and the stability of thin-walled steel members. Dedicated to professional service, she is a member of the AISI Committee on Specifications and chairs its Test-Based Design subcommittee, the AISI Committee on Framing Standards, and the AISC Committee on Sustainability. Recently, Dr. Peterman was elected as vice president of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute, where she chairs the Education Committee. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC). She received the 2022 Milek Fellowship and 2021 Terry Peshia Early Career Faculty Award from AISC, the 2021 McGuire Award for Junior Researchers from SSRC, and the 2018 Norman Medal from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the highest honor for a technical paper. Dr. Peterman was also awarded the 2021 UMass College of Engineering Outstanding Teaching Award in recognition of her accomplishments as an educator. Prior to joining UMass, Dr. Peterman was a postdoctoral researcher at Northeastern University and received her Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins University.