Verification of diaphragm seismic design factors for precast concrete parking structures

A new seismic design methodology was proposed for precast concrete diaphragms. This methodology adopts seismic design factors applied on top of current diaphragm design forces. These factors are aimed to produce diaphragm design strengths aligned with different seismic performance targets. These factors were established through extensive parametric studies. These studies used a simple evaluation structure with a single-bay rectangular diaphragm. The simple evaluation structure is suitable for establishment of the design factors over comprehensive structural geometry and design parameters. However, the application of the design factors to prototype structures with realistic layouts requires further verification and investigation. This paper presents diaphragm design of several precast concrete parking structures using the new design methodology and verification of the design factor through nonlinear dynamic time history analyses. The seismic behavior and performance of the diaphragm were investigated for the precast concrete parking structures. It was found that the design factor established for the new design methodology is applicable to the realistic precast concrete parking structures.