Seismic behavior assessment of fasteners based on a shaking table test of a museum building model with a display case and artifacts

Abstract

Fasteners are widely used in museums as an attachment method to secure objects. However, due to the lack of research on the seismic behaviour of fasteners under seismic loads, the implementation of fasteners in museums usually lacks scientific guidance, resulting in their ineffectiveness in improving the seismic safety of museum artifacts. In addition, few studies have experimentally investigated the adverse effects of structural dynamic amplification on the seismic safety of museum artifacts. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seismic behavior of fasteners used in museums and provide valuable insights for protecting museum artifacts. Shaking table tests were conducted on a full-scale model of a museum building, display case, and artifacts to simulate seismic loads and investigate the seismic response of two typical artifacts secured with fasteners. A numerical study was also performed to evaluate different types of fasteners and their effectiveness in enhancing the seismic safety of artifacts. The adverse effects of dynamic amplification on artifact safety were discussed, and recommendations were provided for improving the seismic behavior of fasteners. Furthermore, the impact of multidirectional seismic excitation on the safety of the artifacts and the seismic performance of the fasteners were analyzed. The research findings contribute to the selection of appropriate fasteners for preserving valuable artifacts in museums.