Seismic response of expanded polystyrene (EPS) sandwiched concrete panels system in buildings: Damage distribution and correlation analysis of parameters

Abstract

Lightweight wall panels and connectors between them and load-bearing structures are often significantly damaged during moderate-intensity seismic events. However, generally applicable methods and models for predicting and assessing the damage are lacking. A seismic analysis and assessment framework for the interaction among lightweight partition wall panels, energy-dissipating connectors, and main structural elements was established via the Maximum Information Coefficient method. Experiments and numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the nonlinear behavior and hysteresis-based energy-dissipation features of connectors in Expanded Polystyrene sandwiched concrete panels. A system model incorporating lightweight wall panels, connections designed to absorb energy, and load-bearing structures is proposed to elucidate their collaborative interactions. The distribution pattern of seismic damage in the Expanded Polystyrene sandwiched concrete panels system was also investigated. Based on the characteristics of the incremental dynamic analysis results, a correlation evaluation of the seismic parameters and structural damage was conducted using the refined Maximum Information Coefficient method. The proposed analysis framework can be used for the damage evaluation and prediction of assembled nonstructural elements.