Plasterboard partition walls typically used in commercial buildings are especially sensitive to earthquakes, with the onset of cosmetic damage
initiating at small values of interstorey drift. The most common partition wall systems are constructed of gypsum board attached to either steel
or timber framing which is fixed directly to the floor system at the top and bottom interfaces. This study investigates the seismic performance
of a novel partly-sliding steel-framed partition system examined in the past and used by industry, with minor modifications incorporated within
the partition detailing.