9708627 Sause This project is part of the third phase of a coordinated program of research on Precast Seismic Structural Systems (PRESSS). The PRESSS program, funded by the National Science Foundation has two goals: (1) to develop new materials, concepts, and technologies for precast concrete construction in seismic zones; and (2) to develop comprehensive and rational design recommendations for precast concrete construction in seismic zones. The first two phases of the PRESSS program are near completion. He remaining work to be done to achieve these objectives is the testing of a large-scale precast structure design according to preliminary design recommendations and analyzed using models developed in the earlier phases of PRESSS program. The PRESSS Phase III program requires three components to achieve these objectives: (1) design studies; (2) analytical studies; and (3) superassemblage tests. Englekirk and Nakaki, Inc. and the University of Washington will conduct design studies, Leigh University will conduct analytical studies, and the University of California, San Diego will conduct experiments on the five story superassembage test structure. The objectives of the Leigh University component this project of the PRESSS Phase III program are: (1) to use nonlinear static analysis to predict the monotonic and cyclic lateral force displacement behavior of prototype buildings, and to assess this behavior of the five-story superassemblage test structure using nonlinear dynamic analysis, and assess the behavior; (3) to compare the predicted performance and the experimental performance and assess the models and methods used in the analytical prediction; and (4) to develop design recommendations for precast seismic structural systems. Analytical models of precast structures developed at Lehigh will be used. The dynamic analysis will use a set of earthquake ground motions representing various site characteristics compiled at Lehigh. Comparisons with the performance of the prototype buildings anticipated in design, and with the experimentally observed performance of the five-story superassemblage test structure will be made. The analytical studies will be carefully coordinated with the Phase III design studies and superassemblage tests.
