The Metal Building Manufacturers Association has co-sponsored research with the American Iron and Steel Institute that has been ongoing at the University to California at San Diego.
The research involves full-scale seismic tests using the UCSD shake table, which is one of the largest in the world and the largest outdoor facility. The research was headed by Dr. Chia-Ming Uang with support and participation from many MBMA Technical Committee members.
This was the first time that full-scale seismic tests of a complete metal building system had been attempted.
The Significance of the Findings
While the final analysis and conclusions have not yet been published, the results of all three of the tests exceeded the expectations based on the design assumptions and building code performance objectives. The testing confirmed that the framing systems’ performance exceeded code guidelines with respect to collapse at the maximum considered earthquake (an event that will statistically happen only once every 2,500 years).
We expect the results of this research will be used to justify revisions to seismic provisions in the model codes that will better reflect the superior performance of framing systems for the metal building industry. This will also allow metal building frame designers to use more appropriate design methods to model the actual observed seismic performance of the systems. Ultimately, such changes should result in more efficient and safe designs of critical framing members and provide building owners in seismic areas with additional options to meet their building needs.
Seismic research has received greater attention since the 1994 Northridge earthquake and recent events in Haiti, Chile and Japan, which underscored the severity of the loads that are applied to our structures during earthquakes. This research is the most comprehensive ever performed by our industry and we are very excited about the expanded knowledge gained from this research.
We expect the results of this research will make a very positive statement about the seismic performance of metal building framing systems. Research like this, along with MBMA’s continuing efforts to promote quality design and fabrication through the International Accreditation Services’ AC 472 Inspection Program for Manufacturers of Metal Building Systems, will definitely enhance our industry’s image and position in the market place.
See it all on YouTube
All tests were filmed professionally. A 30-minute video that covers actual testing is available on You-Tube and the UCSD website. Search for “Building It Better: Earthquake Testing Metal Buildings.”
Chuck Haslebacher is the chairman of the Cleveland-based Metal Building Manufacturers Association. For more information, visit www.mbma.com.
