Buckling analysis of a building stud-spacer assembly and simulation of spacer punching process

A computational finite element analysis (FEA) model was created for buckling analysis of the stud-spacer assembly used in the construction of building walls, using a commercial software. The numerical simulation results show that the number of spacers used in the stud assembly, as well as the materials used for the spacers, have little effect on the buckling load of the stud assembly. Consequently, a low-value material such as recyclable plastic waste can be used as the connecting spacer for the stud frame. The effect of the geometrical shape of the stud cross-section on the buckling was also analyzed. The proposed punching process for assembling the stud and spacers was simulated by the available capabilities of the software.