Summary
An experimental program was performed for evaluating the seismic response and fragilities of nonstructural lightweight steel drywall partitions, also considering the interaction with structural elements and other nonstructural building components, ie, outdoor façade walls. Therefore, in‐plane quasi‐static reversed cyclic tests were carried out on 8 specimens of indoor partition walls infilled in a frame and on 4 specimens of indoor partition walls connected at its ends with transversal outdoor façade walls. Constructive parameters under investigation include type of connections used for connecting the indoor partition walls to the surrounding elements, stud spacing, type of sheathing panels, and type of jointing finishing. The effect of the constructive parameters on the lateral response in secant stiffness and strength is examined. Furthermore, the main damage phenomena observed during the tests are reported and associated to 3 damage limit states distinguished for the required repair level for the tested partition walls. Fragility curves are used for the experimental assessment of seismic fragility of the tested specimens, in accordance with the interstorey drift limits required by the European code. Finally, the quantitative estimation of the repair action costs starting from the damage observation is also developed. The obtained results could be considered a starting point for developing the in‐plane seismic design assisted by testing of lightweight steel drywall partition walls.
Strap-braced stud walls.2 HIGHLIGHTS The seismic behaviour of CFS strap-braced walls is evaluated by experimental investigation. The global inelastic response of a wide range of X-braced walls is discussed. The local behaviour is investigated by tests on material and connection systems. The behaviour factor provided by AISI S213 are confirmed by the experimental tests. The capacity design rules of Eurocodes are also reliable for the CFS structures.
ABSTRACTThe development of light weight steel structures in seismic area as Italy requires the upgrading of National Codes. To this end, in the last years a theoretical and experimental study was undertaken at the University of Naples within the Italian research project RELUIS-DPC 2010-2013. The study focused on "all-steel design" solutions and investigated the seismic behaviour of strap-braced stud walls. Three typical wall configurations were defined according to both elastic and dissipative design criteria for three different seismic scenarios. The lateral in-plane inelastic behaviour of these systems was evaluated by twelve tests performed on full-scale Cold-formed strap-braced stud wall specimens with dimensions 2400 x 2700 m subjected to monotonic and reversed cyclic loading protocols. The experimental campaign was completed with seventeen tests on materials, eight shear tests on elementary steel connections and twenty-eight shear tests on strap-framing connection systems. This paper provides the main outcomes of the experimental investigation. Furthermore, the design prescriptions, with particular reference to the behaviour factor and the capacity design rules for these systems, have been proved on the basis of experimental results.
The search for innovative methods to ensure high structural, technological and environmental performance is an important issue in the development of new constructions. Among the several available building systems, constructions involving the structural use of Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) profiles represent an efficient and reliable solution. In an effort to characterize the seismic response of CFS structures and to support the spreading of these systems, a theoretical and experimental research has been carried out at University of Naples Federico II within the Italian research project RELUIS-DPC 2010-2013. It focused on the "all steel design" solution, in which CFS diagonal strap-braced stud walls are the main lateral resisting system. In order to overcome the lack of information in the current European codes, a critical analysis of the requirements for these systems provided by the AISI S213-2007 has been carried out by comparing them with those given by Eurocodes for hot-rolled X-braced steel frames (tension-only). On the basis of the design hypothesis outlined from this analysis, a case study has been developed with the aim to define an extended experimental campaign involving 12 tests on full-scale CFS diagonal strap-braced stud walls. Finally, on the basis of experimental results, the assumed design prescriptions and requirements, such as the force modification factor and the capacity design rules, have been verified.
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