Computational modelling of a four storey post-tensioned concrete building subjected to shake table testing

Prior research into low-damage wall systems has predominately focused on the walls behaviour in isolation from other building components. Although the response of these isolated walls has been shown to perform well when subjected to both cyclic and dynamic loading, uncertainty exists when considering the effect of interactions between walls and other structural and non-structural components on the seismic response and performance of entire buildings. To help address this uncertainty a computational model was developed to simulate the response of a full-scale four-storey building with post-tensioned precast concrete walls that was subjected to tri-axial earthquake demands on the E-Defence shake table. The model accurately captured the buildings measured response by incorporating the in-plane and out-of-plane non-linear behaviour of both the wall and floor elements. The model was able to simulate the deformation demands imposed on the floor due to compatibility with the post-tensioned walls, closely matching the behaviour and damage observed during the test. Dynamic loading and wall-to-floor interaction were shown to significantly increase the over-strength actions that developed when compared to the wall system considered in isolation.