Evaluation of the out-of-plane behavior of stud-to-track connections in nonstructural partition walls

• Evaluation of the out-of-plane force-displacement response and damage mechanisms of stud-to-track connections in nonstructural steel-framed partition walls.
• Development of capacity fragility curves for stud-to-track connections in terms of displacement and force, using the experimental data.
• Development and calibration of a series of nonlinear numerical hinge models that represent the out-of-plane hysteresis behavior of stud-to-track connections.

A series of component-level experiments have been performed aiming to characterize the out-of-plane force-displacement response and damage mechanisms of stud-to-track connections in nonstructural steel-framed partition walls. The performance of connections with various stud-to-track gap dimensions, stud and track thicknesses, and screw-attachment configurations were evaluated and compared. In addition, the accuracy of available design provisions for estimating the ultimate connection capacity was assessed. The experimental data was then used to generate capacity fragility curves in terms of displacement and force. Finally, a series of nonlinear numerical hinge models were developed and calibrated that represent the out-of-plane hysteresis behavior of stud-to-track connections.