Analytical Model for the Seismic Performance of Cold-Formed Steel-Framed Gypsum Partition Walls

Abstract

Steel-framed gypsum partition walls are comprised of light-gauge coldformed steel studs and tracks, gypsum boards and the screw connections between them. The tracks are also fastened to the structural slab with power-actuated fasteners. Previous experimental studies have shown that the seismic performance of partition walls depends on the force and displacement characteristics of these components. A series of component-level experiments were performed, aiming to investigate both monotonic and cyclic behavior of partition wall components, including gypsum-tostud, stud-to-track, and track-to-slab connections. The experimental data was then utilized to propose and validate a series of nonlinear hinge models for these components in the OpenSees. Subsequently, the hinge models were used in conjunction with the analytical models of gypsum boards and steel studs to develop a comprehensive analytical model for a typical partition wall assembly. The model was calibrated using the available data from a full-scale test on the steel-framed gypsum partition walls.

Analytical model for the in‐plane seismic performance of cold‐formed steel‐framed gypsum partition walls

“…The predicted damage mechanisms in specimen 10, based on the analytical models, included shear failure of top track-to-concrete PAF connections, nonlinearity in gypsum-to-tracks screw connections, and crushing of gypsum borad corners. These damage mechanisms were consistent with observed damage mechanisms in the experiment [37].…”