Comparison of Seismic Losses Associated with Traditional/Innovative Hollow Brick and Plasterboard Internal Partitions

Nonstructural elements are typically associated with high seismic risk, regarding functioning interruption, economic losses, and casualties. Architectural elements such as infills and internal partitions are often associated with major construction costs, and, even in case of relatively frequent earthquakes, the post-event repair costs might be critical, due to poor seismic performance. Moreover, damage of architectural elements typically affects functioning and operativity of the facilities. The present study focuses on seismic response of internal partitions, with particular regard to economic losses. Seismic losses associated with both traditional and innovative internal partitions are assessed and compared, considering code-conforming reinforced concrete frame buildings as a case study. Both traditional and innovative partition systems are investigated, considering hollow brick and plasterboard solutions. Seismic demand is assessed through multiple stripe analyses, considering advanced nonlinear modeling and including low-to-high seismicity sites in Italy. Seismic capacity of investigated partition systems is derived from literature experimental data, considering multiple damage states (and performance levels) as a reference. The study quantifies seismic losses associated with the investigated partition systems, shedding lights on their strengths and weaknesses in terms of seismic performance and economic efficiency. Technical insights regarding the efficient use of the investigated partitions are also supplied in the light of the loss comparison analysis.