Racking Tests of High-Rise Building Partitions

The results of a program of racking tests of wall panels can be incorporated into the analysis of high-rise structures influenced by nonstructural partitions. Stiffness and energy-absorbing characteristics were obtained from racking tests of wall panels simulating lateral interstory displacements in high-rise buildings. These characteristics were combined with structural frame periods and damping to estimate overall building periods and damping. Illustrative examples are presented. The research program was part of the structural response research program being conducted for the U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration, Nevada Operations Office by URS/John A. Blume & Associates, Engineers.