Experimental tests and numerical analysis of corner connections bent about their axis in lightly reinforced concrete panels cast with wood block system

This study deals with the experimental research and numerical modeling of the corner connections of panels made with the construction technology known as large lightly reinforced concrete walls–wood blocks system (LLRCW–WBS). We present the results of experimental tests performed on real scale panel-to-panel corner connections subjected to vertical load and cyclic horizontal actions causing bending to the connection. Numerical analyses were carried out with the aim of interpreting the experimental results and providing calculation models that are suitable for reproducing corner connection behavior in the seismic design of LLRCW–WBS panels. A parametric analysis was carried out in order to assess the influence of the effectiveness of the corner connection on the seismic capacity of LLRCW–WBS panels concerning the limit state of the out-of-plane collapse. By comparing the capacity/demand ratios of the out-of-plane behavior of the panels with those related to in-plane strength, it is possible to define criteria for the resistance hierarchy between the two limit states.