While the design and technology of conventional low rise light framed residential structures are relatively simple, their response to lateral loading is quite complex. This is due to the high degree of redundancy, the irregular geometry and interaction between the structural and non-structural components. In addition, the designated lateral bracing elements within one structure may exhibit significantly different behaviour due to the different bracing actions and different materials. This paper focuses on the bracing capacity of plasterboard clad walls which could be considered either structural or non-structural. While such walls may be installed purely as partition walls, they may provide lateral strength and stiffness due to the complex load paths. The paper presents in detail the possible load transfer mechanisms to a variety of typical walls. It also highlights the difficulty with performing racking tests on isolated walls due to the complex boundary conditions surrounding walls in real structures. In addition, the paper reports racking test results that demonstrate the effects of different boundary conditions on the load carrying capacity and the failure modes.
The beneficial bracing characteristics of plasterboard have recently been incorporated into Australian design standards for residential structures. There is a need to develop control procedures, commensurate with these enhanced design guidelines. to control the quality of plasterboard such that its manufactured properties conform with the bracing characteristics assumed. This paper reports the findings of a study into the adequacy of existing plasterboard quality tests as a measure of its bracing capacity. The paper also reports the development of a new test method, described herein as fastener bearing test. as an alternate quality control method for bracing capacity of plasterboard. This fastener bearing test is subsequently validated through an extensive experimental program and analytical modelling. The paper concludes that the proposed test is a reliable method to assess the bracing capacity of plasterboard. It has also established the validity of a simple closed-form mathematical approach to ascertain the lateral capacity of clad framed walls.
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