Evaluation of in-plane and out-of-plane movement of facade panels to reduce structure response during earthquake excitation

![CDATA[Development and implementation of advanced facade systems to enhance seismic response of building structures have been a topic of debate for structural and architectural engineers. In this paper, a seismic control method using a novel facade system, as an energy-absorbing device, is proposed in order to decrease the level of energy imparted to the main structure during seismic activities. Conventional facade brackets are replaced by sacrificial elements which can have back and forth movement during earthquake excitation. Predefined plastic hinge behaviour is suggested for the facade bracket elements in a double skin facade system. Application of flexible dissipative connections in facade systems, if properly designed, can reduce inelastic deformation of the main structure in comparison to cases without the proposed connections. Some comparisons of structures with elastic and plastic behaving elements are also included in numerical modellings in this paper. Initial works have demonstrated that seismic response for low-rise buildings, subjected to moderate to severe earthquakes, can be substantially reduced by introduction of a smart design of double skin facade systems.]]