Derivation of an innovative testing protocol for plastic anchors for fixing light façade claddings under seismic action

The safety of buildings located in seismic zones is related to the proper design of both the structural and the non-structural components. In recent seismic events, the collapse of the non-structural parts clearly demonstrated how they may represent a risk not only for the life safety but also the majority of the economical losses. Light cladding panels are a common solution to built façades in framed systems with rigid infills, particularly in reinforced concrete structures with masonry walls. They are usually fixed to the supporting structures by means of plastic anchors through angle brackets. Within this context, an experimental campaign was carried out to investigate their behaviour under seismic action. Starting from dynamic tests on real size façades, a new test protocol was proposed for the assessment of plastic anchors for fixing façade claddings. The scope of the present paper is to provide a theoretical background for the aforementioned test protocol.