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

A lightweight steel (LWS) drywall façade is one of the most widely used architectural nonstructural components in a building. This paper presents the results of in-plane quasi-static tests carried out on 14 different full-scale façades made with LWS framing. The main goal of the study is to investigate the effect of various construction details on the seismic response of the selected facades. The investigated parameters include: single or double frame walls, type of sheathing panels, presence of finishes, variation in surrounding structural elements, absence of track members, type of connection to the surrounding structural elements, and presence of offset. The effect of the construction parameters on the lateral response of the façades was examined in terms of strength, stiffness, and force-displacement hysteretic response. Furthermore, the main damage phenomena observed during the tests are also reported, associating them with the three damage limit states based on the level of damage and the related repair actions. For the definition of the seismic vulnerability, the fragility curves for different façade typologies are also presented