Damage and collapses in industrial precast buildings after the 2012 Emilia earthquake. (15th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Savoia, Marco; Buratti, Nicola; Vincenzi, Loris
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 137(2017:Apr. 15)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2017-04-15
• Subjects: Earthquake collapses -- Industrial buildings -- Precast technology -- Connection systems; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.01.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: We present failure modes observed in RC precast structures during field reports after the 2012 Emilia Earthquake. We identify and discuss the most frequent causes of collapse. We present previously undocumented collapses. Abstract: The present paper presents a complete and commented collection of cases of damage and collapse in reinforced concrete (RC) precast industrial buildings, observed by the authors during a series of field surveys after the 2012 Emilia earthquake in Northern Italy. They were selected among a total of about 2000 industrial RC precast buildings, whose structural characteristics and damage have been collected in a large database by the authors. The main causes of the collapses were vulnerabilities related to the structural characteristics of Italian precast buildings not designed with seismic criteria. In particular, these structures were typically built as an assembly of monolithic elements (roof elements, main and secondary beams, columns) in statically determinate configurations. The most common failure causes identified were: the absence of mechanical connectors between precast monolithic elements, the interaction of structural elements with non-structural walls, the insufficient column bending capacity, the rotation of pocket foundations, the inadequacy of connections of external precast cladding walls to bearing elements (columns and beams), the overturning of racks in buildings used as warehouses or in automated storage facilities.