Seismic response of perforated lightweight aggregate concrete wall panels for low-rise modular classrooms

In this paper, details of precast concrete wall panels for construction of low-rise modular school buildings are described. These panels, designed to be the primary lateral force resisting system of the building, are relatively thin. Compared to the case for conventional moment-resisting frames or shear-wall buildings, where details have been extensively verified to be seismically effective, the seismic response of this type of building is less certain, in part due to the large window and door openings as well as the unusual detailing commonly adopted for their reinforcement and connections. Concerns for seismic performance of these panels were addressed by two full-scale tests of prototype panels. Test results, in particular with respect to the lateral strength, deformation capacity and hysteretic loops of the panels, are presented in the paper.