| The advanced cladding connections described in this thesis take advantage of the cladding-structure interaction during an earthquake to dissipate energy, therefore reducing the response of the main structure. Such engineered connections provide superior properties of ductility and damping and result in high energy dissipation without failure during moderate or strong earthquakes.;First, the behavior of the anchor systems, or inserts, is studied extensively in an experimental test program. Then, a series of simple steel designs for the connection body, or connector, are tested in a specially designed laboratory fixture. All the designs dissipate energy through plastification of the material when stressed beyond yielding in flexure.;Based on the experimental results, lumped parameter analytical models of the insert and the connector which closely reproduce their hysteretic characteristics are conceived. To solve the problem of parameter identification, an optimization procedure is introduced. The models of the anchors and connectors are then combined in series to simulate a complete connection system which is incorporated into a 2D structural model of a six story building that carries two heavy cladding panels per bay. The structural model is analyzed using a modified version of DRAIN-2D.;The thesis discusses the response of the structure to earthquake excitations. Time histories of the energy demand and supply to the building, both with and without cladding, are provided. Results show that the connector elements can be responsible for the total hysteretic energy dissipated in the structural system. A design criterion for the connections is formulated in terms of energy. This criterion provides the optimal balance of stiffness and strength to be added to the structure by the dissipators, that will result in a maximum energy dissipation in the connectors, no plastification in the structural members, and a minimum response.;This research confirms the possibility of integrating cladding into the structural system of a building, through utilization of the connections as a passive system to attenuate seismic response. |
