This research develops a new low-cost energy dissipation system, capable of being
implemented in residential structures in developing countries with high seismic activity, in which
the current solutions are not economically viable. These residential structures are entirely made of
precast concrete elements (foundations, walls, and slabs). A solution is developed that consists of a
new connection between a precast foundation and a structural wall, which is capable of dissipating
almost all the seismic energy, and therfore protecting the rest of the building from structural damage.
To validate the solution, a testing campaign is carried out, including a first set of “pushover” tests on
isolated structural walls, a second set of “pushover” tests on structural frames, and a final set of seismic
tests on a real-scale three-storey building. For the first and second set of tests, ductility is analyzed
in accordance with ACI 374.2R-13, while for the third one, the dynamic response to a reference
earthquake is evaluated. The results reveal that the solution developed shows great ductility and no
relevant damage is observed in the rest of the building, except in the low-cost energy dissipation
system. Once an earthquake has finished, a precast building implemented with this low-cost energy
dissipation system is capable of showing a structural performance level of “immediate occupancy”
according to ACI 374.2R-13.
