Summary This paper proposes an experimentally verified procedure to analytically model cold‐formed steel‐framed gypsum nonstructural partition walls considering all the critical components. In this model, the nonlinear behaviors of the connections are represented by hysteretic load‐deformation springs, which have been calibrated using the component‐level experimental data. The studs and tracks are modeled adopting beam elements with their section properties accounting for nonlinear behavior. The gypsum boards are simulated by linear four‐node shell elements. The proposed procedure is implemented to generate the analytical models of three full‐scale partition wall specimens in the OpenSees platform. The specimens were tested as a part of the NEESR‐GC Project on Simulation of the Seismic Performance of Nonstructural Systems. Force‐displacement responses, cumulative dissipated energy, and damage mechanisms from the analytical simulation are compared to the experimental results. The comparison shows that the analytical model accurately predicts the trend of the response as well as the possible damage mechanisms. The procedure proposed here can be adopted in future studies by researchers and also engineers to assess the seismic performance of partition walls with various dimensions and construction details, especially where test data are not available. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A series of full-scale system-level experiments using a two-story steel braced-frame structure was conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation site in order to better understand the seismic performance of integrated ceilingpiping-partition systems. In this study, responses and behaviors of cold-formed steel-framed partition wall systems were critically assessed through several design variables. Experimental results led to the calculation of out-of-plane acceleration amplification factors and the development of fragility functions. Results show that the acceleration amplification factors for out-of-plane partition walls are comparable with the recommended amplification suggested by the code for flexible components.

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