Focusing on reducing the earthquake damage to facade systems

Abstract

Earthquake engineering is facing an extraordinarily challenging era. These challenges are driven by the increasing expectations of modern society to provide low-cost, architecturally appealing structures with high seismic performance. Modern structures need to be able to withstand a design level earthquake with limited or negligible damage such that disruption to business be minimised because of the economic consequences of such downtime. Technological solutions for seismic resisting structural systems are emerging. However, within the goal of developing a seismic-resisting building, not only the structural skeleton of the building but the entire system must be fully protected from damage. This includes the non-structural components of the building such as the claddings, ceilings and contents. Substantial studies are still required to develop technological solutions and design methods capable of achieving such an earthquake resistance structure. This paper presents a review of current technology for facades, including design guidelines for seismic-resistant non-structural components and the steps made towards a performance-based design framework. Alternative conceptual strategies and technical solutions to reduce the damage to non-structural elements will also be introduced.