Experimental Investigation on Steel W-Shaped Folded Plate Dissipative Connectors for Horizontal Precast Concrete Cladding Panels

A dissipative connector device, consisting of a steel plate folded at right angle along three lines to get a W-shaped profile, is proposed for the safe fastening of the horizontal cladding panels of new or existing precast structures under seismic action. Experimental tests are carried out to characterize the hysteretic behavior of the connector device. Different technological features, restraint conditions, and loading protocols are considered. Nonlinear hysteretic models are validated against the results of pseudo-dynamic tests on a full-scale prototype of precast building with cladding panels. Guidelines for the design of the dissipative connector device are provided.