Off-campus UMass Amherst users: To download campus access theses, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your UMass Amherst user name and password.
Non-UMass Amherst users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this thesis through interlibrary loan.
Theses that have an embargo placed on them will not be available to anyone until the embargo expires.
Access Type
Open Access
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Civil Engineering
Degree Type
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)
Year Degree Awarded
2009
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
Earthquake Engineering, Seismic Energy Dissipation
Abstract
This research examines the seismic energy dissipation potential of steel structures by focusing on new types of specially engineered cladding-to-frame connections. Traditional connection details consist of rigid restraints of cladding panels, resulting in seismic design that only considers the panel self-weight with connection design left up to the precast fabricators and typical details. It is postulated that by considering these elements to actively participate in building response a more efficient and resilient structure could be designed which accurately captures the effects of non-structural cladding elements on building behavior. In this preliminary research, two mechanisms to dissipate seismic energy using engineered cladding systems are presented. Analysis results on a reference steel building indicate that demands on structural elements may be significantly reduced.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/817852
First Advisor
Scott A. Civjan