Effects of modelling assumption in the local seismic response evaluation of RC precast industrial buildings

The present research is aimed at evaluating the influence of different modelling assumptions, such as crane-load and beam-column connections, on the local seismic response of precast RC buildings. The considered case study is a one-story industrial building designed in ac- cordance with the Italian building code NTC 2008. Typical pinned beam-column connections are investigated. They are made by dowels protruding from the column inserted into holes in the beams, which are subsequently grouted. This technique ensures stability during the con- struction process and allows the horizontal seismic load transfer from the beam to the col- umn. Different structural layouts have been modeled considering various types of beam- column joint models, namely a perfect hinge, an elastic hinge and a non-linear spring with a degrading hysteretic force-displacement model; the last model reproduces the results of re- cent experimental campaigns. Non-linear dynamic time history analyses allow to evaluate displacements, drifts, deformations and ultimate curvatures. The results are analyzed in terms of both global quantities, i.e. roof maximum displacements and rotation at the base of the col- umns, and local quantities, i.e. force or displacement demand at the beam-column connec- tions, for the various implemented models. Depending on the considered model, it is observed that the effects of higher vibrating modes may increase the load in the connections.