The influence of plasterboard clad walls on the structural behaviour of low rise residential buildings

Y.L. Liew; Colin Duffield; Emad Gad

doi:10.56748/ejse.221

Authors

Y.L. Liew University of Melbourne
C.F. Duffield University of Melbourne
E.F. Gad Swinburne University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56748/ejse.221

Keywords:

Residential, Lateral bracing, Load sharing, Plasterboard, Light framed walls

Abstract

While the design and technology of conventional low rise light framed residential structures are relatively simple, their response to lateral loading is quite complex. This is due to the high degree of redundancy, the irregular geometry and interaction between the structural and non-structural components. In addition, the designated lateral bracing elements within one structure may exhibit significantly different behaviour due to the different bracing actions and different materials. This paper focuses on the bracing capacity of plasterboard clad walls which could be considered either structural or non-structural. While such walls may be installed purely as partition walls, they may provide lateral strength and stiffness due to the complex load paths. The paper presents in detail the possible load transfer mechanisms to a variety of typical walls. It also highlights the difficulty with performing racking tests on isolated walls due to the complex boundary conditions surrounding walls in real structures. In addition, the paper reports racking test results that demonstrate the effects of different boundary conditions on the load carrying capacity and the failure modes.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

C.F. Duffield , University of Melbourne

Colin is Professor of Engineering Project Management and Civil Engineering Discipline Leader in the Department of Infrastructure Engineering, at The University of Melbourne. He is also a Board member of Infrastructure Australia and a Fellow of the Law School (where he delivers a master level unit in infrastructure procurement).

He is a recognised international thought leader in the efficient procurement of public infrastructure and the incorporation of private finance as a mechanism for achieving value for money outcomes.

Colin has extensive experience in the governance of long term contracts and the interaction between policy, technical matters, risk management, financing and contractual arrangements. This expertise has been gained through: an involvement in infrastructure delivery for public and private clients (both as a practitioner and researcher); work on policy via secondment to Treasury and Finance, Victoria; as an adviser to projects on risk and project structuring; as an expert witness; and as an independent reviewer and researcher of major engineering contracts.

Colin’s research has been widely cited in Australia and Internationally by industry, government and peak independent commentators.

E.F. Gad , Swinburne University of Technology

Emad is the Dean of Engineering, School of Engineering within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. Prior to this appointment he was the Chair of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Swinburne University of Technology. Earlier he was an Associate Professor at Melbourne University and Research Scientist at CSIRO.

Emad is a civil engineer with extensive experience in structural dynamics, residential construction, structural connections, experimental techniques and finite element modelling. His applied research has contributed to the development of several standards and codes of practice. In addition to his teaching and research contributions, he has completed numerous consulting contracts for local and multinational clients.

He is Chair of the Board of the Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council (AEFAC), Co-Editor of the Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, appointment member of the Victorian Building Practitioners Board (BPC), Director on the Board of the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) and Fellow of Engineers Australia.