Full-scale shaking table test on a precast sandwich wall panel structure with a high-damping viscoelastic isolation and mitigation device

• Published in: Engineering structures Vol. 329; p. 119797
• Main Authors: Hu, Zhong-Wei, Xu, Zhao-Dong, Zhang, Lian-Yu, He, Jia-Xuan, Chen, Zheng-Han, Miao, Qi-Song, Li, Wen-Feng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.04.2025
• Subjects: Base isolation; Full-scale shaking table test; Precast sandwich wall panel structure; Seismic performance; Viscoelastic material; Base isolation; Viscoelastic material; Full-scale shaking table test; Precast sandwich wall panel structure; Seismic performance
• ISSN: 0141-0296
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.119797

Precast sandwich wall panel structures (PSWPS) are widely used globally. However, the seismic behavior of PSWPSs has not been fully understood due to the lack of experimental research. Furthermore, conventional vibration control methods are less effective for PSWPSs because of the structure’s rigid and lightweight properties. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a new viscoelastic isolation and mitigation device (VEIMD) for PSWPSs based on a high-damping viscoelastic material. A series of shaking table tests are conducted on a full-scale PSWPS to investigate the behavior of the structure and demonstrate the efficiency of the device. The PSWPS is constructed with a novel external connection and anchored to four VEIMDs through a new base connection. Test results reveal that the PSWPS without the VEIMD experiences significant responses, leading to structural damage such as bolt loosening and concrete cracking. Conversely, the application of the VEIMD effectively reduces damage to the PSWPS. Furthermore, the natural frequency of the structure is reduced, and the damping ratio is increased due to the device’s flexible and high-damping properties. The dynamic responses of the structure, including acceleration and displacement, are also significantly mitigated. This study enhances the understanding of PSWPS characteristics and develops an effective approach to improving the seismic performance of many rigid and lightweight structures like PSWPSs. •A new VEIMD is proposed to improve the seismic performance of PSWPSs.•A base connection system is designed to effectively anchor the VEIMD to PSWPSs.•Shaking table tests are conducted on a full-scale PSWPS with and without the VEIMD.•The results reveal the behavior of PSPWSs and verify the efficiency of the VEIMD.