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Abstract
This study focused on creating a model using finite element analysis to accurately predict the maximum force, maximum displacement, and failure mode of a cold-formed steel screw connection with an insulation layer. These connections use cold-formed steel studs, a layer of rigid insulation and a metal sheathing panel with a screw connecting all three layers. The analysis includes geometric and material nonlinearities. To determine the accuracy of the model, the predicted maximum force, maximum displacement and failure mode were compared to previously completed tests of screw connection. The results show that the finite element model can predict the force and displacement for connections using thin studs and panels with some degree of accuracy. For connections using thicker studs and metal sheathing panels, the model predicted failure at very low force and displacement when compared to the test results.