Motion control-based seismic retrofit solutions for a R/C school building designed with earlier Technical Standards

The study of two motion control-based seismic retrofit solutions for a low-rise reinforced concrete school building is presented in this paper. The building was assumed as a benchmark structure for a Research Project financed by the Italian Department of Civil Protection, and is representative of several similar public edifices designed with earlier Technical Standards editions, in Italy as well as in other earthquake-prone European countries. The two solutions refer to the alternative earthquake protection strategies based on the concepts of supplemental damping and seismic isolation, respectively. Namely, they consist in the installation of: (1) a dissipative bracing system incorporating pressurized fluid viscous spring-dampers; and (2) a base isolation system including double friction pendulum sliding bearings. The structural characteristics of the building, and a synthesis of the investigation campaigns developed on it, are initially presented. The mechanical parameters, dimensions, locations and installation details of the constituting elements of the two protective systems are then illustrated, along with the performance assessment analyses carried out in original and rehabilitated conditions according to a full non-linear dynamic approach. The results of the analyses show a remarkable enhancement of the seismic response capacities of the structure for both retrofit hypotheses. This allows reaching the mutual high performance levels postulated in the two rehabilitation designs with remarkably lower costs and architectural intrusion as compared to traditional rehabilitation interventions designed for the same objectives.     

Experimental study on seismic behavior of Un-Reinforced Masonry (URM) brick walls strengthened with shotcrete

In this study, the efficiency of conventional shotcrete technique for strengthening of Un-Reinforced Masonry (URM) walls was shown using an experimental program. In addition, in this program the possible benefit of using anchors for connecting the shotcrete reinforcement layer to the R/C foundation was studied. The experimental program consisted of testing five full scale specimens with two different height-to-length aspect ratios and so different failure modes, under in-plane cyclic loading conditions. Two specimens were tested as reference and others were strengthened on a single-face using shotcrete layer. According to the results, strengthening of URM walls using traditional shotcrete approach created a completely stiff panel and prevented the formation of cracks. The failure mode in both reference and strengthened short length walls was rocking and the shotcrete layer could increase the strength capacity, energy dissipation, and stiffness of wall due to yielding and rupture of steel bars anchored to the foundation. On the other hand, in strengthened long length walls, shotcrete layer increased the shear sliding capacity with no or small increasing in their rocking capacity. Therefore, the failure mode of strengthened walls converted from shear sliding to rocking, even in the specimen with anchorage system. The distributed type of anchorage system could not improve the strength capacity of long length wall. Anchorage system was able to improve the out-of-plane performance of strengthened walls.     

Development and validation of a metallic haunch seismic retrofit solution for existing under‐designed RC frame buildings

The feasibility and efficiency of a seismic retrofit solution for existing reinforced concrete frame systems, designed before the introduction of modern seismic‐oriented design codes in the mid 1970s, is conceptually presented and experimentally investigated. A diagonal metallic haunch system is introduced at the beam–column connections to protect the joint panel zone from extensive damage and brittle shear mechanisms, while inverting the hierarchy of strength within the beam–column subassemblies and forming a plastic hinge in the beam. A complete step‐by‐step design procedure is suggested for the proposed retrofit strategy to achieve the desired reversal of strength hierarchy. Analytical formulations of the internal force flow at the beam–column‐joint level are derived for the retrofitted joints. The study is particularly focused on exterior beam–column joints, since it is recognized that they are the most vulnerable, due to their lack of a reliable joint shear transfer mechanism. Results from an experimental program carried out to validate the concept and the design procedure are also presented. The program consisted of quasi‐static cyclic tests on four exterior, ? scaled, beam–column joint subassemblies, typical of pre‐1970 construction practice using plain round bars with end‐hooks, with limited joint transverse reinforcement and detailed without capacity design considerations. The first (control specimen) emulated the as‐built connection while the three others incorporated the proposed retrofitted configurations. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed solution for upgrading non‐seismically designed RC frames and also confirmed the applicability of the proposed design procedure and of the analytical derivations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhancing resilience of highway bridges through seismic retrofit

The present study evaluates seismic resilience of highway bridges that are important components of highway transportation systems. To mitigate losses incurred from bridge damage during seismic events, bridge retrofit strategies are selected such that the retrofit not only enhances bridge seismic performance but also improves resilience of the system consisting of these bridges. To obtain results specific to a bridge, a reinforced concrete bridge in the Los Angeles region is analyzed. This bridge was severely damaged during the Northridge earthquake because of shear failure of one bridge pier. Seismic vulnerability model of the bridge is developed through finite element analysis under a suite of time histories that represent regional seismic hazard. Obtained bridge vulnerability model is combined with appropriate loss and recovery models to calculate seismic resilience of the bridge. Impact of retrofit on seismic resilience is observed by applying suitable retrofit strategy to the bridge assuming its undamaged condition prior to the Northridge event. Difference in resilience observed before and after bridge retrofit signified the effectiveness of seismic retrofit. The applied retrofit technique is also found to be cost‐effective through a cost‐benefit analysis. First order second moment reliability analysis is performed, and a tornado diagram is developed to identify major uncertain input parameters to which seismic resilience is most sensitive. Statistical analysis of resilience obtained through random sampling of major uncertain input parameters revealed that the uncertain nature of seismic resilience can be characterized with a normal distribution, the standard deviation of which represents the uncertainty in seismic resilience. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Latest findings on the behaviour factor q for the seismic design of URM buildings

Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering - Recent earthquakes as the 2012 Emilia earthquake sequence showed that recently built unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings behaved much better than expected and...     

Soil-structure interaction effects on the seismic response of tall chimneys

The effects of soil-structure interaction on the seismic response of tall (>100m) steel and reinforced concrete chimneys are described. Detailed models of a 130m high steel chimney and a 150m high reinforced concrete chimney are used as structural models. The foundations are represented as rigid blocks resting on a uniform viscoelastic soil model. Perfect bonding between the foundation and the soil is assumed. Parametric studies of the interaction effects on the magnitude and distribution of bending moments and shear forces include four soil rigidities and two seismic excitations characterized by very different frequency contents. The results obtained indicate strong interaction effects for intermediate and soft soils (V_s500 m/sec). The extent of the interaction effects are highly dependent on the characteristics of the seismic excitation.     

Influence of soil flexibility on the seismic behaviour of chimneys

Various methodologies and modelling criteria for analysing seismically reinforced concrete chimneys are now available. All require consideration of the soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects especially in designing tall chimneys. This becomes more critical when the soil deposit, on which the chimney is founded, is softer. Two examples are considered in this paper: a chimney of moderate height (110 meters) founded directly on a sedimentary rock layered half-space and another very tall chimney (230 meters), founded by means of short prefabricated piles on a deep, very soft, sand deposit. The method of analysis used is a conventional response spectrum modal analysis of a chimney lumped mass model, which includes shear deformation of the chimney shaft. To ignore this effect can lead to an underestimation of the shear force at chimney base level. The suggestions of the specification ACI STANDARD 307-88 are also considered. Different hypotheses to account for the SSI effects are assumed in the analyses which provide a set of conclusions of interest to the point of view of the designer.     

A macro‐model with nonlinear springs for seismic analysis of URM buildings

Seismic assessment of existing unreinforced masonry buildings represents a current challenge in structural engineering. Many historical masonry buildings in earthquake regions were not designed to withstand seismic loading; thus, these structures often do not meet the basic safety requirements recommended by current seismic codes and need to be strengthened considering the results from realistic structural analysis. This paper presents an efficient modelling strategy for representing the nonlinear response of unreinforced masonry components under in‐plane cyclic loading, which can be used for practical and accurate seismic assessment of masonry buildings. According to the proposed strategy, generic masonry perforated walls are modelled using an equivalent frame approach, where each masonry component is described utilising multi‐spring nonlinear elements connected by rigid links. When modelling piers and spandrels, nonlinear springs are placed at the two ends of the masonry element for describing the flexural behaviour and in the middle for representing the response in shear. Specific hysteretic rules allowing for degradation of stiffness and strength are then used for modelling the member response under cyclic loading. The accuracy and the significant potential of the proposed modelling approach are shown in several numerical examples, including comparisons against experimental results and the nonlinear dynamic analysis of a building structure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Numerical validation of analytical solutions and their use for equivalent-linear seismic analysis of circular tunnels

The first part of this paper presents an extensive validation of four analytical solutions for the seismic design of circular tunnels. The validation is performed with a quasi-static finite element (FE) model which conforms to the assumptions of the analytical solutions. Analyses are performed for a wide range of flexibility ratios, slippage conditions at soil–lining interface, assuming both drained and undrained behaviour. Based on the numerical predictions the relative merits of the considered analytical solutions are discussed and recommendations are given for their use in design. The second part of this paper explores the use of equivalent linear soil properties in analytical solutions as an approximate way of simulating nonlinearity. The results of equivalent linear site response analyses are used as an input for the analytical solutions. The comparison of the analytical predictions with nonlinear numerical analysis results is very satisfactory. The results of this study suggest that analytical solutions can be used for preliminary design using equivalent linear properties and the corresponding compatible strain as an approximate way of accounting for nonlinear soil response.     

A seismic retrofit method by connecting viscous dampers for microelectronics factories

The implementation of viscous dampers to microelectronics factories has been previously proved not to affect the micro‐vibration of the factories in operation so that the vibration‐sensitive manufacturing process will not be interfered. Therefore, a seismic retrofit strategy which employs the viscous dampers installed in between the exterior and interior structures of the ‘fab’ structure is proposed in the study. The design formulas corresponding to the proposed retrofit method are derived using the non‐proportional damping theory. Based on the study, it is found that the added damping ratio to the fab structure depends greatly on the frequency ratio of the two structures in addition to the damping coefficients of the added dampers. Outside the bandwidth of the frequency ratio in which the added damping ratio is very sensitive to the variation of the frequency ratio, the added damping ratio can be well captured using the classical damping theory. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

多层砌体房屋抗震加固方法述评

本文讨论了多层砌体房屋抗震加固的原则,对目前常用的多层砌体房屋的加固方法进行了简要的论述,提出了各种方法的特点和适用范围以及需要注意的问题,并指出了将来可能的发展方向。     

Effect of seismic retrofit of bridges on transportation networks

The objective of this research is to determine the effect earthquakes have on the performance of transportation network systems. To do this, bridge fragility curves, expressed as a function of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV), were developed. Network damage was evaluated under the 1994 Northridge earthquake and scenario earthquakes. A probabilistic model was developed to determine the effect of repair of bridge damage on the improvement of the network performance as days passed after the event. As an example, the system performance degradation measured in terms of an index, “Drivers Delay,“ is calculated for the Los Angeles area transportation system, and losses due to Drivers Delay with and without retrofit were estimated.     

钢筋混凝土结构的抗震加固方法述评

本文讨论了钢筋混凝土结构抗震加固的原则,对目前常用的钢筋混凝土结构的加固方法进行了简要的论述,给出了各种方法的特点和适用范围以及一些需要注意的问题.文中还提出了加固方法将来可能的发展方向.     

基于性能的碳纤维抗震加固设计

本文探讨了基于性能的加固设计的基本思路和设计过程,并给出了一个基于性能的碳纤维加固设计的工程实例,采用pushover静力推覆分析的方法分析对比了结构加固前后的性能,表明原结构的抗震性能不足,经碳纤维加固后的结构抗震性能明显提高,满足8度抗震设防烈度要求。     

An energy-based method for seismic retrofit of existing frames using hysteretic dampers

This paper proposes a method for the seismic retrofitting of existing frames by adding hysteretic energy dissipating devices (EDDs). The procedure is based on the energy balance of the structure, and it is used to determine the lateral strength, the lateral stiffness and the energy dissipation capacity of the EDDs needed in each story to achieve prescribed target performance levels for a given earthquake hazard. The performance levels are governed by the maximum lateral displacement. The earthquake hazard is characterized in terms of input energy and several seismological parameters, and further takes into account the proximity of the earthquake to the source. The proposed method deals with the effect of the EDDs explicitly in terms of hysteretic energy, bypassing equivalent viscous damping approximations, and directly quantifies the cumulative damage induced in the EDDs. The validity of the method is assessed numerically through nonlinear dynamic response analyses with near-fault and far-field ground motions, as well as experimentally through dynamic shaking table tests.     

Nonlinear rooftop tuned mass damper frame for the seismic retrofit of buildings

Numerical studies of existing buildings demonstrate the effectiveness of nonlinear/inelastic rooftop tuned mass damper frames (NRTMDF) used as a retrofit for reducing seismic response. The technique utilizes a rooftop penthouse as a tuned mass damper with mass incorporated as the roof deck of the penthouse while targeted nonlinearity and energy dissipation are introduced through buckling restrained braces (BRBs) linking the penthouse mass to the structure below. The writers summarize numerical studies of ten existing buildings modified with a specifically tuned NRTMDF. The studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique that stems from elastic and transient inelastic period shifts enabled by the damper coupled with targeted energy dissipation in the penthouse BRBs. Numerical simulations using response nonlinear time‐history analysis techniques show that for many structures and sites, the NRTMDF decreases peak transient response and overall seismic demand of the original structure. The technique also reduces seismic demand on nonstructural elements and components, manifested as reductions in floor acceleration spectra. Energy methods show that the approach enables significant reductions in energy demand on the original structure through the complete earthquake acceleration history. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Direct displacement-based design for seismic retrofit of existing buildings using nonlinear viscous dampers

This paper presents a direct displacement-based design procedure for seismic retrofit of existing buildings using nonlinear viscous dampers according to equivalent linear systems. Unlike conventional methods, the equivalent linear viscous damping provided by the nonlinear viscous dampers is derived based on the assumption that the average energy dissipated between the linear and the nonlinear viscous dampers is equal. Also, the equivalent period and viscous damping for the equivalent linear systems which are used for representing the behavior of bare frames (the buildings without dampers) are derived from the concept of average storage energy and average dissipated energy, respectively. It is shown from nonlinear time-history analyses that the nonlinear action of the retrofitted structures can be reasonably captured by the presented direct displacement-based procedure.     

Optimal seismic retrofit model for steel moment resisting frames with brittle connections

Based on performance-based seismic engineering, this paper proposes an optimal seismic retrofit model for steel moment resisting frames (SMRFs) to generate a retrofit scheme at minimal cost. To satisfy the acceptance criteria for the Basic Safety Objective (BSO) specified in FEMA 356, the minimum number of upgraded connections and their locations in an SMRF with brittle connections are determined by evolutionary computation. The performance of the proposed optimal retrofitting model is evaluated on the basis of the energy dissipation capacities, peak roof drift ratios, and maximum interstory drift ratios of structures before and after retrofitting. In addition, a retrofit efficiency index, which is defined as the ratio of the increment in seismic performance to the required retrofitting cost, is proposed to examine the efficiencies of the retrofit schemes derived from the model. The optimal seismic retrofit model is applied to the SAC benchmark examples for threestory and nine-story SMRFs with brittle connections. Using the retrofit efficiency index proposed in this study, the optimal retrofit schemes obtained from the model are found to be efficient for both examples in terms of energy dissipation capacity, roof drift ratio, and maximum inter-story drift ratio.     

Effect of URM infills on seismic vulnerability of Indian code designed RC frame buildings

Unreinforced Masonry(URM) is the most common partitioning material in framed buildings in India and many other countries.Although it is well-known that under lateral loading the behavior and modes of failure of the frame buildings change significantly due to infill-frame interaction,the general design practice is to treat infills as nonstructural elements and their stiffness,strength and interaction with the frame is often ignored,primarily because of difficulties in simulation and lack of modeling guidelines in design codes.The Indian Standard,like many other national codes,does not provide explicit insight into the anticipated performance and associated vulnerability of infilled frames.This paper presents an analytical study on the seismic performance and fragility analysis of Indian code-designed RC frame buildings with and without URM infills.Infills are modeled as diagonal struts as per ASCE 41 guidelines and various modes of failure are considered.HAZUS methodology along with nonlinear static analysis is used to compare the seismic vulnerability of bare and infilled frames.The comparative study suggests that URM infills result in a significant increase in the seismic vulnerability of RC frames and their effect needs to be properly incorporated in design codes.     

Self-centering seismic retrofit scheme for reinforced concrete frame structures: SDOF system study

This paper presents the results of a parametric study of self-centering seismic retrofit schemes for reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The self-centering retrofit system features flag-shaped hysteresis and minimal residual deformation. For comparison purpose,an alternate seismic retrofit scheme that uses a bilinear-hysteresis retrofit system such as buckling-restrained braces (BRB) is also considered in this paper. The parametric study was carried out in a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system framework since a multi-story building structure may be idealized as an equivalent SDOF system and investigation of the performance of this equivalent SDOF system can provide insight into the seismic response of the multi-story building. A peak-oriented hysteresis model which can consider the strength and stiffness degradation is used to describe the hysteretic behavior of RC structures. The parametric study involves two key parameters -the strength ratio and elastic stiffness ratio between the seismic retrofit system and the original RC frame. An ensemble of 172 earthquake ground motion records scaled to the design basis earthquake in California with a probability of exceedance of 10% in 50 years was constructed for the simulation-based parametric study. The effectiveness of the two seismic retrofit schemes considered in this study is evaluated in terms of peak displacement ratio,peak acceleration ratio,energy dissipation demand ratio and residual displacement ratio between the SDOF systems with and without retrofit. It is found from this parametric study that RC structures retrofitted with the self-centering retrofit scheme (SCRS) can achieve a seismic performance level comparable to the bilinear-hysteresis retrofit scheme (BHRS) in terms of peak displacement and energy dissipation demand ratio while having negligible residual displacement after earthquake.