Experimental fragility analysis of cold-formed steel-framed partition wall systems

• Seismic performance evaluation of steel-framed partition wall systems using shake tables.
• Acceleration amplifications justify the recommended amplification for flexible components.
• Median drift ratios for experimental fragilities are 0.99% (DS1), 1.61% (DS2), and 2.34% (DS3).

A series of full-scale system-level experiments using a two-story steel braced-frame structure was conducted at the University of Nevada, Reno Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation site in order to better understand the seismic performance of integrated ceiling-piping-partition systems. In this study, responses and behaviors of cold-formed steel-framed partition wall systems were critically assessed through several design variables. Experimental results led to the calculation of out-of-plane acceleration amplification factors and the development of fragility functions. Results show that the acceleration amplification factors for out-of-plane partition walls are comparable with the recommended amplification suggested by the code for flexible components.