Full-scale shaking table test on seismic performance of a steel frame with translational-type precast-concrete exterior wall panel

Abstract

In order to investigate the deformation behavior, mechanical characteristics of connections, and failure mode of translational precast concrete wall-panels under earthquake loading, a full-scale two-story steel frame model was designed. This test model consisted of 12 precast concrete wall-panels connected with fixed connections at the bottom end and translational-type connections at the top end. This model passed the shaking table testing, and the results demonstrate that the translational-type precast concrete exterior wall panel can ensure the sufficient relative displacement between the wall panel and the main structure under large earthquake loads. It has sufficient capacity to adapt the deformation between the main structure and the wall panels. During the test, localized cracking was observed on the wall panel, while all connections remained in elastic state. The connections between precast concrete exterior wall panels exhibited good performance, that indicates it is an effective tool to protect frame building hangings with exterior wall panels under strong earthquake events.