In‐plane quasi‐static cyclic tests of nonstructural lightweight steel drywall partitions for seismic performance evaluation

Abstract

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.

Earthquake Response of Cold-Formed Steel-Based Building Systems: An Overview of the Current State of the Art

“…Since shake-table testing could be limited by their cost, the seismic response of non-structural systems can also investigate with relatively less complex experimental activity, carried out on single non-structural component. In this context, the most common approach is to investigate the lateral response of partition walls through in-plane tests [40,[64][65][66][67][68], but the out-of-plane response can also be explored [69]. In these studies, different solutions of non-structural components have been tested to evaluate the effect of construction details and boundary conditions.…”

Seismic response assessment of architectural non-structural LWS drywall components through experimental tests

“…Indeed, over the last few years, along with several studies on architectural non-structural LWS drywall components, which were mainly focused on fire behaviour [4][5], effect on the structural response [6][7][8][9][10][11], joining technologies [12][13], diaphragm action [14][15] and behaviour under axial and lateral loads [16][17], a large number of research studies were also undertaken on investigating the seismic behaviour. Generally, these researches included the study of the local and global behaviour: seismic behaviour of board-to-frame fixings adopted for realizing partitions and façades [18][19][20][21]; seismic behaviour under monotonic, quasi-static cyclic and dynamic loadings in the in-plane [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] and outof-plane [35][36] directions of partitions and façades; study of the interaction between partitions and façades and/or ceilings and surrounding elements by means of shake table tests on full-scale one or multi-storeys buildings completed with architectural non-structural components [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44]…”

“…Generally, these researches included the study of the local and global behaviour: seismic behaviour of board-to-frame fixings adopted for realizing partitions and façades [18][19][20][21]; seismic behaviour under monotonic, quasi-static cyclic and dynamic loadings in the in-plane [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] and outof-plane [35][36] directions of partitions and façades; study of the interaction between partitions and façades and/or ceilings and surrounding elements by means of shake table tests on full-scale one or multi-storeys buildings completed with architectural non-structural components [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. In particular, the main aims of the cited research studies were to provide information about the seismic behaviour of architectural non-structural components by investigating the following aspects: (i) damageability and seismic fragilities ( [25], [30][31], [34], [37][38][39][40][41], [44][45]); (ii) mechanical response under monotonic [36], cyclic ( [23], …”

“…(iii) effect of the constructional details on the seismic response, i.e. stud dimensions and spacing ( [25], [27], [30][31] and [34]), presence of back-to-back studs [31][32], track dimensions [31], board thickness, type, number and orientation ( [22], [25], [27], [31] and [34]), board-to-frame fixing type and spacing ( [24], [25], [27], [31][32]), wall finishing type ( [24] and [34]), presence of doors or windows ( [22][23] and [25]), partial-height partitions [30], aspect ratio of partitions [27], presence of damper devices [33]; (iv) effect of the loading conditions (quasi-static or dynamic) on the lateral response ( [23][24], [27] and [30]); (v) estimation of the repair costs after a seismic event ( [23], [28] and [34]); (vi) interaction with surrounding elements ( [22], [34], [38], [39], [40] and [45]); (vii) evaluation of dynamic amplification and dynamic parameters [43][44][45]; (viii) presence of mechanical...…”

Effect of Architectural Non-Structural Components on Lateral Behaviour of CFS Structures: Shake-Table Tests and Numerical Modelling

“…Nowadays, Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) structures are often preferred to the traditional co nstructions as low-rise buildings in seismic areas due to their light weightiness and good seismic performance [1]. In fact, in the last decades numerous studies on elements [2][3][4], components [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] or whole buildings [13][14][15] have evaluated their seismic response. Although structural behaviour has been deeply investigated, only few experimental and numer ical works have been carried out for the evaluation of the influence of architectural nonstructural components on the global seismic response [16,17].…”