Investigators: Y. H. Chai and T. C. Hutchinson.
Low-rise concrete buildings of modular design are frequently constructed of precast wall panels, which are relatively stiff due to their in-plane stiffness. These panels are characterized by small panel thickness and low reinforcement ratio. Under seismic conditions, however, concerns often arise with respect to the lateral strength and ductility capacity of the building, connection details for transmitting large forces across different panels or into the foundation, and the damage distribution in the panel at different drift ratios, particularly for panels perforated by large openings.
The objective of the lateral load tests is to characterize the in-plane reversed cyclic response of lightweight concrete wall panel with large door and window openings. These tests were conducted at full-scale under a simulated gravity compression and quasi-static lateral force or displacement increment of increasing magnitude. Of particular interests are the lateral stiffness, lateral strength, displacement ductility capacity, and damage characteristics of the panel.
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Key Publications:
- Y. H. Chai and J. D. Anderson
(2005), “Seismic Response of Perforated Lightweight Aggregate
Concrete Wall Panels for Low-Rise Modular Classrooms”, Engineering
Structures, Vol. 27, pp. 593-604.