The Development of an Improved Test for Evaluating the Racking Resistance of Wall Panels.

摘要

An experimental investigation of the primary factors involved in the laboratory testing of prototype wall panels,under simulated wind-induced racking loads,is reported. The objective of the investigation was to recommend a static racking test method,generally applicable to a variety of wall construction types,that features realistic boundary and loading conditions. Initially, a literature survey was conducted for the purpose of evaluating the test methods which have been,or are being employed in determining the resistance of wall panels to static racking loads. In the experimental program, 17exploratory tests were conducted on a sample comprised of two types of wall panel construction. The 8ft by 8ft steel-frame and wood-frame panels were subjected to a combination of vertical and horizontal loading and their resulting deformation behavior was systematically monitored. Modifications to the testing procedure and to the boundary condition at the top of the panels were introduced as the experiments progressed. Detailed descriptions of the laboratory procedures used are presented. As the tests were developmental in nature and not intended for performance evaluation of the types of construction,selected results are presented. A static racking test method,applicable to traditional and innovative wall construction was derived as a result of the laboratory study and the literature survey. The principal new features of the proposed standard method are: (a) the application of distributed vertical loading, (b) the capability of testing panels of various height-to-width ratios and (c) the provision of top and bottom boundary conditions which do not force unrealistic modes of failure.