New building design rules for earthquake resistance

Precast concrete components can reduce the time, cost and disruption of construction projects while improving quality control compared to site-poured concrete. Better design rules that enhance safety during seismic events will yield major socioeconomic benefits.

Current design procedures do not consider the stiffness of cladding panels that are fastened to the building's structural frame after concrete placement. This omission has led to catastrophic consequences in recent violent earthquakes such as L'Aquila in 2009 and Grenada in 2010. Scientists initiated the EU-funded SAFECLADDING (Improved fastening systems of cladding wall panels of precast buildings in seismic zones) project to address the urgent need for more comprehensive design approaches.

Further details: New building design rules for earthquake resistance