BEHAVIOR OF CERAMIC FACADES TO THE LATERAL ACTIONS PRODUCED BY THE EARTHQUAKE MOTIONS.

Seismic behavior of the structural elements of the buildings envelopes, conceived in the form of ventilated facades, constitutes a permanent concern of manufacturers of such elements. The absence of specific regulations for the calculation and detailing of these types of structures in seismic areas implies the manufacturer's responsibility to ensure the strength and safety in service. Declaration by the manufacturers of the insurance of exigencies of strength and stability and also safety in operation, as specified in Law no 10/2005 represents an ongoing concern for manufacturers of such systems, when marketing this type of construction on the Romanian construction market. Ventilated facades made of ceramic elements represent a distinct family of enveloping structures. Design and manufacturing must satisfy the requirements specified in the Romanian design code P100-1/2013, annex of Eurocode 8, in terms of facades ability to withstand lateral actions, these elements being considered non-bearing. In this context they should be designed to satisfy only the strength and stability required for seismic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]