Choosing the most appropriate modern materials for implementing non-loaded walls in building using the hierarchical analysis method

The major damage observed in recent earthquakes is the separation of non-structural walls from structural components and large longitudinal and diagonal cracks in them; so, selecting the appropriate wall is very important. Considering the diversity of the existing walls and the multiplicity of the criteria, making an inclusive decision for choosing the most practical wall which considers all the relevant criteria seems necessary. Therefore, Analytical Hierarchy Process method was used for analysis in this paper. This method is compatible with multiple criteria and decision making purposes. In order to identify and determine the importance of effective criteria in choosing the appropriate wall, the Empirical comparisons have been used and for a more accurate comparison between the types of walls based on quantitative criteria, in addition to the questionnaire, numerical modeling has also been used. criteria include design criterion, performance criterion, economic criterion, and time criterion. Finally, using the hierarchical analysis method, the suitable types of walls in seismic areas have been prioritized. The materials used to evaluate the non-loaded walls are: 3D-panels, drywalls, cement blocks containing lightweight expanded clay aggregate (lECA), Autoclaved aerated concrete. The gained results of the study indicate that in order to achieve a safe and earthquake-resistant hospital structure, the drywalls is considered to be the best option and autoclaved aerated concrete as well as blocks options the light expanded clay aggregate and 3D-panel were selected respectively.