Numerical modelling of lightweight steel drywall partitions for in-plane seismic performance evaluations

Among various architectural non-structural components in a building, Lightweight Steel (LWS) drywall partitions are one of the most widely used partition systems. A set of simplified numerical models are proposed here for LWS drywall partitions to simulate their in-plane response, that can be easily integrated with the building models and possess the ability to better estimate damages in them, when linked to their fragility information. Models are calibrated experimentally using the quasi-static cyclic test results, available from the recent research carried out at University of Naples “Federico II”. The models are developed in OpenSees software by using a single discretized spring to simulate the lumped behavior of the walls for the twelve individual different configurations of the tested partitions. The accuracy of model is demonstrated by comparing the experimental and the numerical results in terms of the hysteretic response curves and the cumulative energy dissipated.