Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2024 | Viewed by 6022

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Division of Earthquake Engineering, Institute of Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: statics and dynamics of structures; earthquake engineering; software development in the field of (linear and non-linear) finite element method; modeling of engineering problems using artificial intelligence; soil–structure interaction effects and in the improvement of seismic codes in the field of the modeling and analysis of structures
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: earthquake engineering; seismic analysis and design; seismic assessment; seismic codes; machine learning; artificial neural networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The constant need to improve the design of new structures with high resistance against earthquakes is a pressing requirement worldwide. The potential losses from a strong earthquake can be very large and are not limited to loss of life and property damage due to the earthquake itself, but also to corresponding losses due to secondary causes such as fires and explosions. In addition, due to the fact that a very large number of structures has been designed and built with the aid of older seismic codes or without the use of any seismic regulations, it makes the need for seismic assessment and strengthening imperative. Modern seismic regulations provide not only higher standards for the design of new structures, but also corresponding standards for the seismic assessment and strengthening of existing ones. In the effort to constantly upgrade the desired level of anti-seismic capacity of new and existing structures, new technologies are examined and tested, based on the new possibilities offered by modern software, structural monitoring procedures (through organization of structures) and machine learning methods. The present Special Issue aims to invite scientists to publish research works, as well as applied studies presenting design or retrofitting of structures with the application of advanced technologies. More specifically, the research objects covered by this issue are the following:

  • New methods for modelling earthquake resistant structures.
  • Seismic design and assessment of bridges.
  • Seismic design and assessment of tall buildings.
  • Seismic design of assessment of plant facilities.
  • Seismic assessment of monuments.
  • Applications of machine learning methods in the design of earthquake-resistant structures.
  • New technologies for the seismic assessment, retrofitting and strengthening of existing structures.
  • Methods for the structural health monitoring of bridges, special purpose buildings and plant facilities.
  • Results of applied seismic assessment and existing structures' retrofitting/strengthening studies.

Dr. Konstantinos Morfidis
Dr. Konstantinos Kostinakis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • new methods for modelling earthquake resistant structures
  • seismic design and assessment of bridges
  • seismic design and assessment of tall buildings
  • seismic design of assessment of plant facilities
  • seismic assessment of monuments
  • applications of machine learning methods in the design of earthquake-resistant structures
  • new technologies for the seismic assessment, retrofitting and strengthening of existing structures
  • methods for the structural health monitoring of bridges, special purpose buildings and plant facilities
  • results of applied seismic assessment and existing structures' retrofitting/strengthening studies

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 20833 KiB  
Article
Parametric Finite Element Study on FREEDAM Beam to Column Joints with Different Details of the Haunch Slotted Holes
by Mario D’Aniello, Rosario Montuori, Elide Nastri, Vincenzo Piluso and Paolo Todisco
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2770; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072770 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Parametric Finite Element (FE) simulations were performed to investigate the ultimate flexural of different configurations of friction steel beam-to-column joints equipped with FREEDAM (free from damage) dampers. The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of friction dampers featuring either [...] Read more.
Parametric Finite Element (FE) simulations were performed to investigate the ultimate flexural of different configurations of friction steel beam-to-column joints equipped with FREEDAM (free from damage) dampers. The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of friction dampers featuring either single or multiple slotted holes, examining how these variations influence the behavior of the joint and the devices under seismic loads. In particular, the ultimate behavior of the connection (i.e., when the device reaches its maximum stroke) was investigated to characterize the involvement of the bolts in shear, the bearing of the plates, and the yielding of the supporting components. The analysis of bolt stress states revealed significant differences influenced by the number of bolts and slots. The FE models were calibrated against the experimental results obtained within the FREEDAM RFCS Project. These insights contribute to the design and performance evaluation of steel beam-to-column joints with FREEDAM connections, in particular the detailing of the haunch slots, laying the groundwork for future research and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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40 pages, 14720 KiB  
Article
Experimental Studies on the Seismic Performance of Underwater Concrete Piers Strengthened by Self-Stressed Anti-Washout Concrete and Segments
by Yu Sun, Wansong Xu and Sheng Shen
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(21), 12034; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132112034 - 04 Nov 2023
Viewed by 723
Abstract
Given that the existing drainage strengthening methods for underwater damaged piers are expensive, inefficient, and cause shipping traffic disruptions, an urgent need exists to explore undrained strengthening methods, such as the precast concrete segment assembly method (PCSAM). However, the PCSAM has certain limitations, [...] Read more.
Given that the existing drainage strengthening methods for underwater damaged piers are expensive, inefficient, and cause shipping traffic disruptions, an urgent need exists to explore undrained strengthening methods, such as the precast concrete segment assembly method (PCSAM). However, the PCSAM has certain limitations, including a considerable strength loss of filled concrete, poor accuracy, poor connection performance of the segment sleeves, etc. Hence, this study developed an improved PCSAM (IPCSAM) by adopting self-stressed anti-washout concrete (SSAWC) as the filling material and developing a lining concrete segment sleeve (LCSS) based on the design principle of shield tunnel lining segments. Subsequently, the seismic performance of the strengthened piers was investigated. First, nine 1/5-scale pier column specimens were designed by considering different influencing factors: the self-stress of the SSAWC, LCSS reinforcement ratio, and initial damage and length–diameter ratio of the pier column. These specimens were tested under low reversed cyclic loading. Second, an extended parameter analysis was performed based on the established numerical models consistent with the quasi-static test’s parameter settings. Finally, a restoring force model of the strengthened piers, including the trilinear skeleton curve model and hysteresis curve model, was established based on the results of the quasi-static test and parameter analysis. The results indicated that the bearing capacity, ductility, and initial stiffness of the specimens strengthened using the IPCSAM increased by approximately 83.5–106.4%, 16.3–50.2%, and 83.9–177.3%, respectively, with the energy dissipation capacity also significantly improved. The self-stress of the SSAWC should not exceed 2.2 MPa, and the recommended ratio of the LCSS thickness to pier column diameter is 1/10. Additionally, the proposed restoring force model is highly accurate and applicable, able to provide a reference for the practical seismic strengthening design of piers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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28 pages, 22877 KiB  
Article
MLPER: A Machine Learning-Based Prediction Model for Building Earthquake Response Using Ambient Vibration Measurements
by Spyros Damikoukas and Nikos D. Lagaros
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10622; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910622 - 23 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1145
Abstract
Deep neural networks (DNNs) have gained prominence in addressing regression problems, offering versatile architectural designs that cater to various applications. In the field of earthquake engineering, seismic response prediction is a critical area of study. Simplified models such as single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) and multi-degree-of-freedom [...] Read more.
Deep neural networks (DNNs) have gained prominence in addressing regression problems, offering versatile architectural designs that cater to various applications. In the field of earthquake engineering, seismic response prediction is a critical area of study. Simplified models such as single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) and multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) systems have traditionally provided valuable insights into structural behavior, known for their computational efficiency facilitating faster simulations. However, these models have notable limitations in capturing the nuanced nonlinear behavior of structures and the spatial variability of ground motions. This study focuses on leveraging ambient vibration (AV) measurements of buildings, combined with earthquake (EQ) time-history data, to create a predictive model using a neural network (NN) in image format. The primary objective is to predict a specific building’s earthquake response accurately. The training dataset consists of 1197 MDOF 2D shear models, generating a total of 32,319 training samples. To evaluate the performance of the proposed model, termed MLPER (machine learning-based prediction of building structures’ earthquake response), several metrics are employed. These include the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the mean deviation angle (MDA) for comparisons in the time domain. Additionally, we assess magnitude-squared coherence values and phase differences (Δφ) for comparisons in the frequency domain. This study underscores the potential of the MLPER as a reliable tool for predicting building earthquake responses, addressing the limitations of simplified models. By integrating AV measurements and EQ time-history data into a neural network framework, the MLPER offers a promising avenue for enhancing our understanding of structural behavior during seismic events, ultimately contributing to improved earthquake resilience in building design and engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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23 pages, 11482 KiB  
Article
Modeling of RC Moment Frame Retrofit with Mortar Walls Reinforced with Steel Wire Mesh
by Melisa Herrera, Diego Sosa, Sigifredo Díaz and Jessica Thangjitham
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9973; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179973 - 04 Sep 2023
Viewed by 658
Abstract
Current construction codes require detailed analyses for structural retrofitting, which must consider performance during seismic events. Therefore, the computational models used to evaluate existing infrastructure require nonlinear structural analysis and damage estimates. For structural retrofitting, nonlinear computational modeling must represent the connectivity between [...] Read more.
Current construction codes require detailed analyses for structural retrofitting, which must consider performance during seismic events. Therefore, the computational models used to evaluate existing infrastructure require nonlinear structural analysis and damage estimates. For structural retrofitting, nonlinear computational modeling must represent the connectivity between existing and new elements. This study proposes recommendations on structural modeling based on fiber elements to represent reinforced concrete (RC) moment frames retrofitted with mortar walls reinforced with steel wire mesh. For this purpose, capacity curves of moment frames retrofitted with mortar walls were calculated by hand with the Bernoulli–Euler beam theory, moment–curvature analyses, and a plastic hinge model. Then, these capacity curves were used to calibrate the connectivity and constraint conditions in fiber models between the existing frame and the new wall required to capture the performance of the retrofitted structure. The study found that, for a single wall connected with top and bottom frame border elements, the capacity curves from fiber models underestimate stiffness, maximum strength, and residual strength. These estimation issues are reduced by including intermediate connectivity nodes between the top and bottom frame where rigid link constraints connect the existing frame with the new wall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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29 pages, 6677 KiB  
Article
A Rapid Seismic Damage Assessment (RASDA) Tool for RC Buildings Based on an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm
by Konstantinos Morfidis, Sotiria Stefanidou and Olga Markogiannaki
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 5100; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13085100 - 19 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1160
Abstract
In the current manuscript, a novel software application for rapid damage assessment of RC buildings subjected to earthquake excitation is presented based on artificial neural networks. The software integrates the use of a novel deep learning methodology for rapid damage assessment into modern [...] Read more.
In the current manuscript, a novel software application for rapid damage assessment of RC buildings subjected to earthquake excitation is presented based on artificial neural networks. The software integrates the use of a novel deep learning methodology for rapid damage assessment into modern software development platforms, while the developed graphical user interface promotes the ease of use even from non-experts. The aim is to foster actions both in the pre- and post-earthquake phase. The structure of the source code permits the usage of the application either autonomously as a software tool for rapid visual inspections of buildings prior to or after a strong seismic event or as a component of building information modelling systems in the framework of digitizing building data and properties. The methodology implemented for the estimation of the RC buildings’ damage states is based on the theory and algorithms of pattern recognition problems. The effectiveness of the developed software is successfully tested using an extended, numerically generated database of RC buildings subjected to recorded seismic events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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23 pages, 8631 KiB  
Article
Seismic Performance Assessment of Pile-Supported Wharfs: 2D Frame Analysis Method Considering Both Inertial and Kinematic Forces
by Christino Boyke and Takashi Nagao
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(6), 3629; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13063629 - 12 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1287
Abstract
Frame analysis (FA) is known for its efficiency and low computer resource requirements. However, compared to finite element analysis (FEA), the applicability of FA for the seismic performance assessment of pile-supported wharves (PSWs) is limited, particularly in the ability to account for the [...] Read more.
Frame analysis (FA) is known for its efficiency and low computer resource requirements. However, compared to finite element analysis (FEA), the applicability of FA for the seismic performance assessment of pile-supported wharves (PSWs) is limited, particularly in the ability to account for the kinematic force caused by ground displacement during an earthquake. This study aimed to develop a two-dimensional FA method for PSW seismic response analysis that considers a combination of inertial and kinematic forces. We performed FA and FEA and compared the results. First, we targeted the PSW model without considering the soil slope and discussed the spectral acceleration (SA) evaluation method for calculating inertial force. As a result, an equation for estimating a damping coefficient to evaluate the SA in accordance with the PSW width and natural period was proposed. Next, we targeted the PSW model by considering the soil slope and proposed a method to evaluate the kinematic force based on the amount of ground displacement and the soil spring characteristics. The results revealed that using the proposed method, FA, by considering kinematic and inertial forces, could reproduce the bending moments of the piles comparable to those calculated using FEA. Therefore, solely considering the inertial force for a PSW on a soil slope may cause the bending moment to be underestimated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Technologies in Seismic Design, Assessment and Retrofitting)
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