Precast concrete structures: the lessons learned from the L'Aquila earthquake

This paper examines the problems of the seismic design of precast concrete structures as indicated by the effects of the L'Aquila earthquake of 2009. The behaviour of such structures on that occasion is analysed on the basis of detailed surveys performed on site on a relevant number of buildings just after the earthquake.
Following this analysis, which points out the inadequacy of the cladding panel connections, the paper presents a systematic definition of the problem, examining the behaviour of the whole system of structure + panels. Proposals are made for the typology of one-storey buildings for industrial uses, some possible alternative solutions that ensure the stability of all the construction elements. Specific calculations for a typical precast building give the order of magnitude of the forces and/or displacements for which the connections are to be designed.