Seismic performance of an industrial multi-storey frame structure with process equipment subjected to shake table testing

A full-scale 3-storey steel MRF equipped with typical Non-Structural industrial elements has been subjected to a number of shake table tests at the EUCENTRE Foundation laboratories. The primary structure consists in a 3D steel frame with dimensions of about 4m x 4m x 9.3m with flexible diaphragms made of crossbeams hinged to the frame beams, supporting Non-structural elements such as vertical and horizontal steel tanks connected through steel piping, an electrical cabinet and a conveyor system.

The objective of this project is the investigation of the seismic behavior of a representative industrial multi-storey frame structure equipped with complex process components by means of shaking table tests. Along this main vein and in a performance-based design perspective, the issues investigated in depth are the interaction between a primary moment resisting frame (MRF) steel structure and secondary process components that influence the performance of the whole system, and a proper check of floor spectra predictions.

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community’s HORIZON 2020 Framework Programme [H2020-INFRAIA-2016–2017/H2020-INFRAIA-2016–1] for access to EUCENTRE Laboratories under grant agreement n° 730900-SERA project and from the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) in the framework of the “Departments of Excellence” (grant L 232/2016).