Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite)
Abstract
1. Introduction and Background
2. Methodology
- Phase 1—This phase involved an examination of some mechanical properties of the material (thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum) and its connections. Tensile strength and elasticity modulus were determined through tensile tests, providing the foundational mechanical properties for the structural system. Additionally, the performance of bolted beam–column connections, critical for shear transfer between components, was analyzed through experimental setups based on [32].
- Phase 2—A finite element model (FEM) was developed using the material properties derived from Phase 1. The FEM simulated all structural components, including beams, girders, columns, and the flooring system. Steel bolts were modeled as linear frame elements to replicate their role in shear transfer between hollow structural elements. The FEM incorporated boundary conditions and loading protocols representative of gravitational and seismic forces. Validation of the model was achieved by comparing its predictions to simplified analytical calculations and, later, experimental results from full-scale testing.
- Phase 3—In this phase, the full-scale prototype of the structural system was subjected to gravitational loading using cement sacks in compliance with standards. Displacement sensors and strain gauges were installed at critical points across the girders, beams, and flooring system to monitor deflections and strains during the loading process. The load was gradually increased to a maximum value of approximately 1.8 kN/m2 and maintained for 24 h to simulate standard conditions. However, for this study, the load was held for 100 h to observe long-term effects on the structural components. After the test, detailed observations of structural pathology were supplemented with photographic evidence.
- Phase 4: The prototype was subjected to biaxial shaking table testing to simulate seismic forces. Ground motion records representing return periods of operational level (OL), damage limitation (DL), life safety (LS), and collapse prevention (CP) were applied to the structure. Key measurements, including natural frequencies, peak accelerations, and drift profiles, were recorded to evaluate the dynamic performance of the system. The seismic testing provided important data on the behavior of thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum materials and connections under multidirectional stress scenarios.
- Phase 5: This phase involved a comprehensive analysis of the experimental and numerical results obtained from the previous phases. Comparisons between the FEM simulations and experimental data highlighted the consistency and reliability of the numerical approach. Key findings emphasized the lightweight and sustainable nature of thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum materials, alongside their satisfactory mechanical and seismic performance. Conclusions were drawn to highlight the feasibility of thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum materials systems for sustainable and resilient earthquake-resistant housing. Finally, recommendations for future research are included.
3. Structural Description
4. Mechanical Properties of TSPA and Connection Strength
5. Finite Element Modeling to Evaluate Seismic Performance
6. Vertical Load Testing
7. Biaxial Shaking Table Tests
7.1. Ground Motions for Biaxial Shaking Table Tests
7.2. Test Setup
7.3. Acceleration and Drifts Records
7.4. Acceleration and Drift Profiles Compared to Results of the FEM
8. Conclusions
9. Patents
10. Future Works
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
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Load Step | Details | Load (kN) | Distr. Equivalent (kN/m2) | % of Service Load |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 50 kg in each zone type | 4.41 | 0.417 | 28.2 |
2 | +50 kg in each zone type | 8.82 | 0.834 | 56.3 |
3 | +25 kg in each zone type | 11.03 | 1.044 | 70.4 |
4 | +25 kg in each zone type | 13.24 | 1.253 | 84.5 |
5 | +25 kg in each zone type | 15.44 | 1.462 | 98.6 |
6 | Final load of 22.3 kg in Zone Type 3. | 15.67 | 1.483 | 100.0 |
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Nuñez-Moreno, F.; Ruiz, D.M.; Aristizabal-Vargas, S.; Gutierrez-Quintero, C.; Alvarado, Y.A. Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite). Buildings 2025, 15, 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050813
Nuñez-Moreno F, Ruiz DM, Aristizabal-Vargas S, Gutierrez-Quintero C, Alvarado YA. Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite). Buildings. 2025; 15(5):813. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050813
Chicago/Turabian StyleNuñez-Moreno, Federico, Daniel M. Ruiz, Sebastián Aristizabal-Vargas, Camilo Gutierrez-Quintero, and Yezid A. Alvarado. 2025. "Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite)" Buildings 15, no. 5: 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050813
APA StyleNuñez-Moreno, F., Ruiz, D. M., Aristizabal-Vargas, S., Gutierrez-Quintero, C., & Alvarado, Y. A. (2025). Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite). Buildings, 15(5), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15050813