Abstract
A pilot study was conducted at Penn State University to determine whether the type of drywall joint compound would influence the shear strength of wood-frame stud walls sheathed with Gypsum Wall Board (GWB or drywall). In this study, five 2438 mm by 2438 mm specimens were tested under in-plane cyclic racking loading following the CUREE loading protocol for light-frame wall systems. Three specimens were finished using non-cement based joint compound while the other two used cement based joint compound. Based on the experimental testing of the specimens, the results show that the use of cement based joint compound on drywall joints produces higher shear capacity for the wall system as compared to similar specimens finished with conventional non-cement based joint compound. The result of the study is particularly important for high seismic regions where interior stud walls in residential construction effectively take part in seismic resistance even though wood shear walls are normally used on exterior walls.
Highlights
Past earthquakes, such as the Loma Prieta Earthquake (1989) for example, have demonstrated the vulnerability of light-frame construction in residential and commercial buildings
The findings of this study determined whether the type of drywall joint compound would influence the shear strength of wood-frame stud walls sheathed with drywall
The capacities represented by envelope curves for cyclic tests show that the OnePass specimens had on the average 47% higher shear strengths compared to the UGL specimens
Summary
Past earthquakes, such as the Loma Prieta Earthquake (1989) for example, have demonstrated the vulnerability of light-frame construction in residential and commercial buildings. In light-frame construction, wood stud walls with drywall on both sides are commonly used in residential construction as interior walls/partitions. As such, they are considered “nonstructural” if they are not designed to carry no lateral load. L. Solnosky structural building components after an earthquake can be extensive and was estimated that about 50% of the total $18.5 billion in damages to buildings during the Northridge Earthquake (1994) was in this classification [1]. The contribution of such interior walls is usually not considered in design, they do participate in lateral load resistance, as evidenced by damage to interior drywall in past earthquakes [2] [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
