Chapter 4 - Testing
In this lesson, we delve into the earthquake resilience of the PLURAL project’s SmartWall prototype, designed to withstand seismic forces typical in high-risk zones. In March 2022, the prototype underwent rigorous testing at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering, with the support of AMS, who developed and assembled the SmartWall system.
Testing Protocol and Setup: The SmartWall prototype, classified as an acceleration-sensitive, non-structural component, was tested under simulated seismic conditions. A triaxial shaking table was used to apply progressively increasing base motions, with peak ground acceleration (PGA) reaching 0.36g. This corresponds to Category B soil conditions as defined by Eurocode 8 (EC8) and reflects the highest seismic zone standards in Greece.
Evaluating Performance Under Seismic Stress: The SmartWall was subjected to a series of tests designed to observe its behaviour at various limit states, simulating real earthquake scenarios.
Results and Key Findings: During the tests, the SmartWall prototype demonstrated remarkable resilience, sustaining PGA levels up to 0.36g without any visible damage. Both the infill wall and the supporting steel frame remained intact, showcasing the SmartWall’s ability to withstand high-seismic demands and supporting its suitability for applications in earthquake-prone areas. The results of this test emphasize SmartWall’s potential to contribute to safer, more resilient building retrofits, ensuring structural integrity under seismic stress and protecting occupants in high-risk zones.