4. INTERNATIONAL EURASIA CONGRESS OF BUILDING MATERIALS, ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTWEIGHT POLYMER FACADES FOR SEISMIC RESILIENCE
The selection of façade materials is a critical decision made in the early stages of design, shaping both the aesthetic and functional aspects of a building. This process requires consideration of multidimensional performance criteria such as appearance, user comfort, lighting, indoor air quality, ventilation, structural load capacity, and compatibility with building systems. Furthermore, it is crucial to account for the region's climatic conditions, contextual requirements, and user needs, which determine the priority performance expectations. In seismic regions, lightweight polymer-based materials stand out for their ability to reduce structural loads and provide flexibility, offering significant advantages for structural safety. These materials resist damage through their elastic behavior, making them a viable alternative to brittle materials such as glass. Their energy-absorbing properties enable them to mitigate vibrations and impacts, contributing to the protection of non-structural components. However, while their use in façades often focuses on aesthetics, energy efficiency, and sustainable architectural applications, research on their application in seismic zones remains limited. This gap underscores the necessity of addressing their potential in such contexts, positioning it as a crucial focus of this study. In this study, the technological advancements in polymer materials and their impact on building façades are examined, alongside their application potential in seismic-active regions. Case studies conducted in earthquake-prone countries are analyzed in detail, evaluating the effectiveness of existing applications and potential areas for development. These evaluations highlight the positive effects of polymer-based materials on seismic resilience and the opportunities they present for future applications in improving structural safety and performance
