Precast concrete is an advanced construction technique characterised by high precision, quality, optimisation and is increasingly used in commercial and residential buildings. However, connections between precast elements are often constructed using in-situ casting, which can delay projects and complicate disassembly at the end of a structure’s service life. Dry connections, aligned with the principles of manufacture-to-assemble (MTA), offer a practical and sustainable alternative but present significant challenges regarding seismic performance, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. This study addresses these challenges through a comprehensive parametric numerical investigation into the shear capacity of precast walls with dry connections. Using SeismoStruct 2024 software, more than 340 pushover simulations were conducted to evaluate the influence of various parameters, including concrete compressive strength, axial force percentage, wall section height, overall wall height, and connection characteristics such as bar diameter, quantity, and placement. This research provides critical insights into the combined effects of these parameters, identifying optimal configurations to maximise shear capacity, which is a vital factor for seismic performance. Key findings indicate that shear capacity is significantly enhanced by increasing section height, concrete strength, and axial load, with notable gains such as an 84% improvement in shear strength when section height increased from 2 m to 3 m under favourable conditions. Conversely, increasing overall wall height tended to reduce shear capacity, with a 58% decrease observed for walls extending from 1.5 m to 3.5 m. Adjustments in mechanical connections, including larger diameters, increased bar quantities, and optimised placements, further contributed to incremental improvements in shear strength, with increases ranging from 3% to 24%.

Project SHELTER, Structural Hyper-resisting Element for Life-Threatening Earthquake Risk, aims at developing a strong and stiff functional unit to protect its occupants in case of severe earthquakes that lead to structural collapse. In case of collapse, these units will suffer impacts, particularly if they are installed in upper floors. To avoid severe injuries or death of occupants caused by collapse, safety chairs were designed, provided with shock-absorber systems and auxiliary retaining devices, to keep the occupants properly seated and safe. Three downfall scenarios were evaluated, consisting of vertical and tilted positions. A comprehensive numerical model to represent the human body was developed, mainly focused on chest behaviour and considering the anatomic limits of the vertebral spine. The mechanical ability of the safety chair to ensure the occupants’ safety was evaluated under these harsh conditions. Experimental downfall-and-impact tests will later be performed on shelter units, with crash-test dummies seated on the safety chairs for final validation.