In-plane quasi-static cyclic tests on lightweight steel drywall non-structural partition walls

The seismic damage of non-structural components could involve functionality interruption of the most affected buildings and substantial economic losses. Among non-structural components, the lightweight steel ceiling-partition wall systems can represent a significant investment in the construction sector. Nevertheless, the proper seismic design of these systems plays a secondary role within the current structural design, by leading to a lack of specific design provisions. Since the behaviour of these systems cannot be easily simulated with traditional analysis methods, the experimental characterization is an effective procedure. For these reasons, a specific research activity was started over last few years at the University of Naples Federico. The main objective of the research is to investigate the seismic performance of lightweight steel drywall non-structural building components, i.e. partition walls and suspended continuous ceilings made of lightweight steel profiles sheathed with gypsum-based panels. The presented paper describes and discusses particularly the in-plane quasi-static reversed cyclic tests carried out on lightweight steel drywall partition walls. 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 according to European prescriptions.