Hybrid Test of Precast Concrete Frame with Energy-Dissipation Cladding Panel System

Abstract

To investigate the influence of an energy-dissipation cladding panel system (EDCPS) on the dynamic responses of a precast concrete (PC) frame structure, a six-story, three-span planar frame structure with an EDCPS (called “damping structure”) and a counterpart planar bare frame structure (called “bare frame structure”) were designed. The middle span and bottom two stories of the frame were selected as the test substructures, whereas the rest were considered using the numerical substructure. Hybrid tests were conducted on the two structures under four earthquake levels. The test results indicated that the damage evolution characteristics of the PC frame were not affected by the introduction of EDCPS. The dampers in the EDCPS successfully yielded and dissipated seismic energy under the four earthquake levels. Moreover, the maximum inter-story drift ratio of the damping structure was reduced by 12.59%, 17.68%, and 10.34% under the design-basis earthquake, maximum considered earthquake, and very rare earthquake, respectively, exhibiting a satisfactory damage-control effect. The cladding panels remained intact under the four earthquake levels, indicating that this structure effectively prevents damage to the cladding panels. Finally, a numerical simulation method is recommended according to the damage characteristics of the damping structure and is validated against the test data.