Advanced Seismic Design Methods for Precast Cladding

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This research project addresses the role that architectural precast cladding systems can and should play in the seismic response of building structures. Architectural precast is often dismissed as nonstructural and does not normally form part of either precast frame or wall-panel building construction. Nevertheless, architectural precast panels are widely used on steel and reinforced concrete frame buildings, and therefore this segment of the precast industry constitutes an important part of the overall market for this type of construction. The research explores the possible use of precast panels and their attachments to the structure in an integrated building cladding system to provide both increased lateral stiffness and damping for the structure as a whole. Analytical models are formulated and laboratory tests conducted for promising advanced connection designs that offer improved energy dissipation, ductility and failure characteristics/modes when compared to present precast cladding systems. Results of the project are expected to include an improved understanding of behavior of heavy cladding systems on modern buildings during earthquakes and the development of both conceptual models and results for particular integrated cladding designs.