Pullout tests on the connection to an existing foundation of a steel warehouse rebuilt after the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquakes

Abstract

The tests described in this paper were aimed at evaluating the tensile capacity of the anchorages connecting an automated pallet warehouse with an existing RC foundation. The warehouse is a new steel structure erected in the place of a previous warehouse collapsed due to the Emilia earthquake, but whose foundation remained undamaged. The investigated fastening consists of 10 post-installed, bonded threaded rods with diameter (d) and embedment depth (hef) of 20 and 500 mm, respectively. Neither anchor arrangement nor embedment depth (hef > 20d) was covered by current standards for fastening design. To reproduce the in-situ actual conditions of the fastening, an unconfined test configuration was used. The maximum loads achieved were more than 3 times greater than the seismic demand for the fastening. The tests highlighted the crucial role played by the reinforcing steel which was present in the foundation. Concrete-related failure mechanisms, such as the combined pullout and concrete cone failure mechanism typical of bonded anchors, were not activated. The observed crack patterns rather suggest the onset of a flexural failure mechanism of the concrete slab. This feature is confirmed by analytical calculations showing that, at the maximum loads achieved in the tests, the top reinforcement was likely to be yielded. In six preliminary unconfined tension tests on single anchors, steel rod failure was achieved, associated with limited cracking of the concrete surface in proximity of the anchor.

Seismic Performance Assessment of a Moment-Resisting Frame Steel Warehouse Provided with Overhead Crane

“…The energy dissipation provided by special moment-resistant frames occurs when plastic hinges are generated in beams, beam-column joints, and the base of the columns [ 2 ]. Various investigations address the behavior of moment-resistant frames and their use within industrial structures [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], most reaching the same conclusion, resulting in an effective type of structuring against seismic loads. However, attention to the overall performance of these structures is necessary because rare-occurrence earthquakes may damage contents or non-structural components [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Monotonic and cyclic pull-pull tests on dowel-nut connector in laminated veneer lumber made of European beech wood

“…Timber can also be used for the reconstruction or retrofitting of industrial buildings in seismic areas. In this context, after the 2012 Emilia (Italy) earthquakes, in addition to the use of traditional technologies based on precast reinforced concrete [2] or steel [3], low impact lightweight solutions based on wood products were frequently adopted for long span roofs and cladding [4]. With regard to timber truss structures, the connections are often governing the entire structural design and represent both technical and economic limits for conventional construction [5].…”