Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite)

To address the growing need for sustainable and resilient building materials, the
seismic performance of a full-scale moment-frame housing system constructed entirely
from recycled Tetra Pak panels (thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum or TSPA) was evaluated.
The study presents an innovative approach to utilizing waste materials for structural
applications, emphasizing the lightweight and modular nature of the system. The methodology
included material characterization, finite element modeling (FEM), gravitational
loading tests, and biaxial shake table tests. Seismic tests applied ground motions corresponding
to 31-, 225-, 475-, and 2500-year return periods. Drift profiles and acceleration
responses confirmed the elastic behavior of the system, with no residual deformation or
structural damage observed, even under simultaneous peak ground accelerations of 0.37 g
(x-direction) and 0.52 g (y-direction). Notably, the structure accelerations were amplified to
1.10 g in the y-direction (at the top of the structure), exceeding the design spectrum acceleration
of 0.7 g without compromising stiffness or resistance. These results underscore the
robust seismic performance of the system. The finite element model of the housing module
was validated with the experimental results which predicted the structural response, including
natural periods, accelerations, and drift profiles (up to 89% accuracy). The novelty
of this research is that it is one of the first to perform shaking table seismic testing on a
full-scale housing module made of recycled materials (Tetra Pak), specifically under biaxial
motions, providing a unique evaluation of its performance under multidirectional seismic
demands. This research also highlights the potential of recycled Tetra Pak materials for
sustainable construction, providing an adaptable solution for earthquake-prone regions.
The modular design allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, supporting scalability and
the circular economy principle.