Seismic Performance of Cladding: Responsibility Revisited
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Volume 9, Issue 4
Abstract
During the 17 January 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake, a moderate earthquake, alleged non structural cladding panels and connections unintentionally participated in lateral load-resisting structural systems. As a consequence, unanticipated cladding damage occurred, including life-safety problems when dozens of panels fell and others were left hanging precariously. Experimental and analytical research studies have repeatedly shown that cladding does influence the behavior of building systems, often adversely. In spite of this, the stiffness, strength, mass, and damping properties of the cladding panels and connections continue to be ignored by designers. A rational basis must be developed and implemented for engineering all cladding that could post life-safety hazards and for designing heavy cladding as an integral part of the structure of three-dimensional building systems. Codes, practice, and university education must reflect this change. Leaders are needed in code development, building design, analysis, detailing, and fabrication for a collaborative, multidisciplinary effort to ensure predictable, reliable, and safe performance of cladding during seismic events, one issue of overall cladding performance.
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Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 9 • Issue 4 • November 1995
Pages: 254 - 270
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Copyright © 1995 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Nov 1, 1995
Published in print: Nov 1995
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