Prove pseudodinamiche e cicliche su modelli in scala reale di edifici industriali monopiano prefabbricati

The experimental activity carried out so far in the framework of the European Commission funded project “Precast structures EC8” is presented in this paper. The project, spanning over three and a half years, aims at investigating, through both experimental and numerical studies, the reliability of the EC8 approach, widely accepted for cast-in-place reinforced concrete structures, when applied to the design of precast r/c structures. The paper focuses on the description of a series of pseudodynamic and cyclic tests on two full scale prototypes, representative of typical Italian precast buildings for industrial and commercial halls. The two prototypes differ because of the orientation of beams and roof elements with respect to the applied earthquake loading. Tests have been carried out at the ELSA Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre in Ispra. The analysis of test results will allow a better insight to be gathered into the response of these types of structures under earthquake action, as furthermore influenced by the presence of cladding panels as well as by the behaviour of inter-element connections. The role of the latter has been investigated with reference to the efficacy in guaranteeing diaphragm behaviour of the roof deck. A detailed description of the prototypes is given, as well as of the criteria which governed their design and the assessment of test set-up. Time histories of global quantities (displacements and shear force at loading actuators, absorbed energy etc.) are directly available from the algorithm controlling the tests. Moreover, a pattern of dedicated measuring instruments was placed on the structure to record all the information of interest focusing on the behaviour of elements and connections. The most meaningful data collected during the tests are hence discussed in this paper, with reference to the open issues in the field of seismic behaviour and design of precast r/c structures.