Seismic Risk and Finite Element Modelling Influence of an Existing One-Storey Precast Industrial Building

Abstract

Precast structures are widely used in Southern Europe particularly for industrial buildings. Most of such buildings have been built before the enforcement of modern anti-seismic regulations showing a poor performance during past major earthquakes. Focusing on existing one-storey precast industrial buildings, the paper investigates the influence of modelling choices on the risk assessment, direct losses, and required structure retrofit time. RC forks, cladding panels, and elements connections were specifically considered. A precast industrial building with structural details compatibles with 1980s Italian regulations was selected and analysed. In general, the failure was associated with the collapse of roof elements.

Influence of Cladding Panels Retrofit on the Seismic Risk of an Existing Precast Building

“…The seismic risk associated with one-storey existing precast buildings has been studied in various works [18,19,20,21,15]. The results obtained confirm the need to implement retrofit interventions to protect working activities and human lives.…”

“…The reference building (Figure 1) was derived from a previous research work [21]. It is a single-storey building built in the 80s in the municipality of L'Aquila (Italy).…”

“…The refined 3D model was created in OpenSees [22] according to the assumptions and approaches adopted in [21]. The new connections have been placed in the model by means of Zero-Length elements in parallel to Zero-Length behaviour of the existing connections.…”