Multi-Stripe Seismic Assessment of Precast Industrial Buildings With Cladding Panels

Krunal Gajera,Luca Capacci,Bruno Dal Lago,Fabio Biondini

doi:10.3389/fbuil.2021.631360

Abstract

Following the empirical observation of widespread collapses of cladding panel connections of precast industrial buildings under recent seismic events, new design solutions have been developed in the framework of the European project SAFECLADDING, including isostatic systems effectively decoupling the seismic response of frame structure and cladding panels. The present paper is aimed at evaluating the seismic response and vulnerability of precast frame structures employing pendulum, cantilever, and rocking cladding connection systems. Within the framework of the research project RINTC–Implicit seismic risk of code-conforming structures funded by the Italian Civil Protection Department within the ReLUIS program, the seismic performance of a typical precast industrial building has been assessed with a probabilistic approach based on the results of static and multi-stripe dynamic non-linear analyses. The seismic vulnerability assessment of each structural system has been carried out with reference to life safety and damage limit states considering three sites of increasing seismic hazard in Italy. The effect of distributed panel mass modeling vs. more common lumped mass modeling has been analyzed and critically commented based on the results of demand over capacity (D/C) ratios. Moreover, biaxial seismic D/C ratios have been evaluated for realistic strong hinge connections for cladding panels.

Highlights

Since the end of World War II, precast buildings have been widely constructed in Europe and other world regions as industrial and commercial frame buildings and residential panel/block buildings
The demand over capacity (D/C) ratio curves obtained in this work indicate a low vulnerability of well-detailed modern precast industrial frame structures provided with decoupling cladding connections, with combined global/local collapses recorded only for the higher return period of 105 years in the site of high seismic hazard of L’Aquila
The adoption of innovative cladding connections leading to an effective decoupling of the frame structure motion from the lateral stiffness of the cladding panels of precast industrial buildings leads to relevant enhancement in their seismic behavior, with displacement being associated with the failure of these connections about one order of magnitude larger than that associated with more traditional fixed channel connections

Summary

Introduction

Since the end of World War II, precast buildings have been widely constructed in Europe and other world regions as industrial and commercial frame buildings and residential panel/block buildings. The typical modern industrial single-story precast frame structure consists of cantilever tall columns restrained at the base with pocket foundations and connected at the top to hinged prestressed beams supporting different typologies of prestressed roof elements. Vertical or horizontal precast concrete panels are connected to load bearing frame elements as perimeter cladding. The traditional design approach for the precast structure is based on a bare frame model where peripheral cladding panels are considered as masses only, without any in-plane stiffening contribution. Panels have been often connected to the structure with fixed fastenings proportioned for out-of-plane horizontal actions related to the local mass of single

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion