Full-scale shaking table test of a reinforced concrete precast building with horizontal concrete cladding panels and a numerical simulation

Abstract

Experimental tests on, and numerical simulations of, full-scale precast reinforced concrete structures with horizontal cladding panels are presented. First, the experimental tests are discussed. The tests were performed on a shaking table using the typical structural layout and cladding connections used in Europe. In particular, they were performed on symmetrical and asymmetrical panel configurations with peak ground acceleration (PGA) intensities of up to 0.4 g. Key observations concerning the seismic responses are presented. The most notable occurrences during the responses were panels sliding within connections and panels impacting columns. Second, the numerical model, which was developed in OpenSees, and simulation results are presented. The numerical model simulated all identified phenomena, including sliding within connections and panels impacting columns. The simulations aligned with the test results, validating the developed numerical model.