Problems of seismic design of the cladding panels of precast buildings

Following the lesson learned from L’Aquila earthquake 2009, the paper presents a systematic definition of the design criteria for the connections of cladding panels of precast buildings, examining the behaviour of the whole system made of structure and panels, and proposes, for the typology of one-storey buildings with industrial destination, some possible alternative solutions that ensure the stability of all the construction elements. To quantify the design parameters involved in the quoted solutions, some calculations of a typical precast building under seismic conditions are elaborated. The analysis is repeated to compare the different connection systems of the panels to the structure, that is the isostatic solution that allows the structural frame to move independently from the walls, and the collaborating solutions that integrate the wall panel to the resisting structure. These information are intended to give the base data for a new generation of connection devices compatible with the wall stability under seismic action.