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 compatible with 1980s Italian regulations was selected and analysed. In general, the failure was associated with the collapse of roof elements.

KEYWORDS:

• Precast structures
• industrial buildings
• seismic risk
• beam-column connections
• friction connections

Acknowledgments

The study was partly funded during the activities of the ReLUIS-DPC and EUCENTRE-DPC 2019– 2021 research programs, funded by the Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri—Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (DPC). The opinions and conclusions presented by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the funding entity.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.