Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Dissipative Connection for the Seismic Retrofit of Precast RC Industrial Sheds

Past earthquakes have highlighted the seismic vulnerability of prefabricated industrial sheds typical past Italian building practices. Such buildings typically exhibited rigid collapse mechanisms due to absence links between columns, beams, and roof elements. This study aims at presenting experimental numerical assessment a novel dissipative connection system (DCS) designed improve performance sheds. The device, which is placed on top exploits movement slider sloped surface dissipate energy control lateral displacement beam, provide recentering effect end earthquake. backbone curve DCS, vertical load, sliding velocity, number cycles were assessed in tests conducted scaled prototype, according test protocol accounting for similarity requirements. In second part study, non-linear dynamic analyses performed finite element model portal frame implementing, beam-column joints, either DCS or pure friction connection. results effectiveness controlling beam-to-column displacements, reducing shear forces limiting residual displacements that can accrue during ground motion sequences.