Dissipative diaphragm connections for precast structures with cladding panels under seismic action

Research activities carried out at European level emphasized the critical role of the cladding panels on the seismic performance of precast concrete structures. It has been shown that structural configurations of precast buildings involving an interaction between the outer frames and the cladding panels, owing to the panel-to-structure fastening systems, may draw high forces into the diaphragm or lead to strong distortions of the roof deck. The use of panel-to-panel dissipative devices, recently proposed to improve the seismic performance of precast structures with cladding panels, may also lead to this effect. This is particularly important for single-storey industrial precast structures that are not provided with a rigid diaphragm. The stiffness of the diaphragm usually depends on the mechanical connections of the roof deck only. Innovative design solutions based on the use of metallic roof-to-roof dissipative devices are hence proposed to mitigate these effects by improving the diaphragm action under controlled forces. The effectiveness of the proposed solutions is investigated by means of non-linear dynamic analyses.