ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE BASED SEISMIC DESIGN METHODS FOR STOREFRONT AND UNITIZED GLASS SYSTEMS
Open Access
Author:
Hartman, Kenrick John
Graduate Program:
Architectural Engineering
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
October 18, 2010
Committee Members:
Ali M Memari, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Ali M Memari, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Richard A Behr, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor
Keywords:
Glass Seismic Earthquakes Performance Based Unitized Storefront
Abstract:
In the past years, the Pennsylvania State University has completed analytical and experimental research to more accurately predict glass failures under simulated earthquake motions. This report provides research that evaluates previous efforts and conclusions by performing full-scale racking tests on a unitized curtain wall system and a stick built store front system. These racking tests are performed in accordance with the AAMA 501.6 protocol and in a stepwise manner. Data from these tests were used to develop fragility curves which allow designers to probabilistically determine the risk of a given failure creating a more intelligent design. This data was also used to assess the accuracy a closed-form equation used to predict glass failure. Based on this evaluation, factors requiring further development were recognized. Finally, multiple glazing frame-to-structure connections were tested to quantify the rotational stiffness in order to directly compare the flexibility of real-world connections and the connection used in full-scale laboratory tests.
