Seismic Design Methods for Bolt‐Connected Prefabricated Wall Panel Structures: A Nonequivalent Cast‐in‐Place Framework

ABSTRACT This study explores the seismic design and performance of bolt‐connected prefabricated wall panel structures, addressing the challenges of achieving comparable performance to cast‐in‐place systems. Such structures are increasingly used due to their advantages in construction speed, sustainability, and quality control, but their discrete bolt connections create unique design challenges in load transfer and joint behavior under seismic forces. The research establishes a “nonequivalent cast‐in‐place” seismic design framework, incorporating methods for calculating the initial lateral stiffness of single‐panel and multipanel systems, determining joint bearing capacity under tension and shear, and evaluating seismic force distribution using the base shear method. Numerical simulations analyze key design parameters, including the number of floors, aspect ratio, and transverse wall spacing. Numerical models reveal that the maximum applicable height and number of floors for seismic zones rated 7° and 8° are six floors (21 m) and five floors (18 m), respectively, with corresponding limits for aspect ratios and wall spacings. This study contributes a tailored seismic design methodology for bolt‐connected prefabricated structures, promoting resilient, cost‐effective solutions for sustainable construction in seismic‐prone regions. By bridging the gap between prefabricated and cast‐in‐place systems, the findings offer actionable guidance for engineers and designers seeking to optimize structural performance.