Cyclic and static tests to evaluate the seismic strength of walls and connections of prefab lightweight panels for housing construction projects

Approximately 75% of deaths attributed to earthquakes in Latin America are caused by the collapse of heavy buildings. Hence, it is necessary to study new technological alternatives for structural systems to be used in 1-story housing units that are able to withstand seismic forces. Such structural systems must also be otherwise durable in nature as well as lightweight and moderately priced. The prefabricated system presented in this paper is made of self-supported panels (polyurethane foam and steel decking sheets - materials traditionally used for nonstructural elements), and it is currently being considered as part of a structural system for use in 1-story houses. During the last 10 years, several laboratory tests have been done to the panels to assess their materials and connections. According to the results, the panels display excellent promise, mainly from their demonstrated characteristics of low weight, high relative stiffness, and good performance of connections. These results further suggest that, when located in areas where the seismic risk is high, one-floor constructions incorporating these self-supported panels could withstand earthquakes generating spectral accelerations of >3.0g.