A Comparative Seismic Performance Between Precast Hollow Core Walls and Conventional Walls Using Incremental Dynamic Analysis

Abstract

A seismic performance comparison is made for warehouse buildings constructed using (a) rocking precast hollow core wall with (b) fixed-base monolithic conventional walls. Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) is used as a basis for a comparative performance-based earthquake engineering assessment. The initial step is to model each wall type using nonlinear dynamic analysis subjected to 20 selected earthquakes records. Wall performance is analysed from low to high ground motions until collapse. Responses in terms of wall displacements (drifts) are examined statistically and IDA curves are parameterized into various percentile bands. Once damage limit states are assigned and coupled with hazard-recurrence risk relations the results are integrated to indicate probable losses. This vulnerability assessment reveals that precast hollow core walls using damage avoidance design philosophy perform considerably better than fixed-based conventional wall panels designed for ductile performance.