In-plane quasi-static cyclic tests on infilled façades made of lightweight steel drywall systems: preliminary results

This paper presents the results from quasi-static cyclic tests on eight different configurations of infilled facades made of lightweight steel (LWS) drywall systems. Eight specimens are built following the common European construction practices and are infilled in a steel pendulum structure. The specimens differ with each other in terms of construction details: dual or single metal framed façades; types of boards used on different faces of the façades; presence of the cladding; fixed or sliding connections to the surrounding structural elements; profile dimensions of the frame elements. The effect of these construction details is examined through the comparison of strength and secant stiffness of the tested specimens. The main types of damages observed during the tests are examined and associated to three damage limit states. Finally, fragility curves are developed for the assessment of seismic fragility of the tested façades and compliance is checked with the inter storey drift limits for architectural non-structural elements required by Eurocode 8.