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Seismic Safety Assessment and Strengthening of Existing Constructions

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A topical collection in Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This collection belongs to the section "Building Structures".

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Dr. Xavier Romão

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Collection Editor

Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4100 Porto, Portugal
Interests: risk management; multi-hazard risk; vulnerability assessment; disaster impact assessment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

Earthquake engineering experts, public authorities, and the general public agree on the idea that the seismic safety and performance of the built environment is a matter of high priority. Furthermore, the widespread interest in methods addressing the seismic safety assessment of existing constructions reflects the global perception that such constructions are often exposed to disproportionate levels of seismic risk, as well as the need for rational and cost-effective interventions on the built environment. These methods range from standard-based approaches, that in many cases are based on simplified assumptions to ease their application, to fully probabilistic performance-based procedures that can express expected earthquake impacts using metrics more relevant to stakeholders.

In light of these considerations, the objective of this Topical Collection is to present and discuss different methodologies for the seismic safety assessment of existing constructions, ranging from simplified to fully probabilistic structure-specific approaches, as well as their application to different types of constructions. Original contributions containing fundamental and applied research, case studies, or reviewing the state-of-the-art are encouraged for submission to this Topical Collection.

Dr. Xavier Romão
Collection Editor

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Keywords

standard-based method
performance-based seismic assessment
probabilistic risk assessment
probabilistic loss assessment
displacement-based assessment
advanced modeling of structures
simplified modeling of structures
seismic performance criteria

Related Special Issues

Reducing the Seismic Vulnerability of Existing Buildings: Assessment and Retrofit in Buildings (11 articles)
Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings in Buildings (8 articles)
Seismic Performance of New-Designed and Existing RC Buildings in Buildings (6 articles)
Computational Modeling Strategies for Seismic Assessment of Unreinforced, Reinforced, and Confined Masonry Structures in Buildings (7 articles)
Resilience-Based Structural Seismic Design and Evaluation in Buildings (11 articles)
Synergies between Seismic, Energy and Environmental Performance in the Assessment and Retrofitting of Buildings in Buildings (4 articles)
Seismic Assessment and Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete (RC) Structures in Buildings (5 articles)
Seismic Impact on Building Structures: Assessment, Design, and Strengthening in Buildings (14 articles)
Assessment and Retrofitting of Existing Infrastructure in Buildings (5 articles)
Seismic Performance Assessment and Analysis of Buildings Structures and Critical Infrastructure in Buildings (8 articles)
Assessment, Reconstruction and Decision Procedures for the Preservation of Existing Structures after Earthquakes in Buildings (11 articles)
Building's Vulnerability Assessment against Natural Hazards by Using Modern Computational Techniques in Buildings (11 articles)
Advances in Seismic Performance Analysis and Assessment of Masonry Building Structure in Buildings (2 articles)
Seismic Risk Analysis and Management of Structure Systems in Buildings (10 articles)
Performance-Based Design of Buildings in Buildings (4 articles)
Seismic Behaviour of Reinforced and Confined Masonry Buildings in Buildings (6 articles)
Challenges in Seismic Analysis and Assessment of Buildings in Buildings (1 article)
New Trends in Seismic Performance Evaluation in Buildings (5 articles)
Recent Study on Seismic Performance of Building Structures in Buildings (5 articles)
Seismic Risk Assessment of Buildings: Results of the Italian MARS Project and Other Applications Worldwide in Buildings (2 articles)
Seismic Vulnerability Analysis and Mitigation of Building Systems in Buildings (6 articles)
Buildings and Infrastructures Performance in Seismic Events: Understanding the Impact of Earthquakes in Buildings (5 articles)
Assessment and Retrofitting of Existing Infrastructure – Second Edition in Buildings (1 article)

Published Papers (13 papers)

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2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022, 2021

22 pages, 7771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Retrofit of Concrete Buildings Damaged by Corrosion: A Case Study in Southern Italy

by Michele Fabio Granata

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 1064; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14041064 - 11 Apr 2024

Viewed by 272

Abstract

A case study of a building in southern Italy, subjected to high degradation by corrosion and waiting to be assessed for retrofit interventions, is presented. The owner required modifications to the building configuration, including a new layout of the floors and retrofitting for a high level of seismic load. A double strategy of an assessment and retrofit was carried out: dynamic linear and static non-linear analyses were performed, and the results were compared. Afterwards, a global strategy of mass and stiffness redistribution was implemented together with different retrofit interventions on the foundations, columns, and beams of the framed structure, such as reinforced concrete and steel jacketing, the application of FRP plates and fabrics, new steel elements, and steel–concrete composite floors. The results of the intervention are discussed and the implications of corrosion on the structures are explored. From the results obtained, it is possible to see how the use of different techniques for strengthening and passive seismic protection strategy can allow engineers to obtain the result of structural adaptation to earthquakes with low-cost interventions. The widespread adoption of steel jackets, coupled with the construction of floors using a steel–concrete composite structure, grants a good confinement of the beam–column r.c. joints, together with the overall strengthening of the existing structure. The adoption of CFRP wrapping at the lower edge of the beams implies a limited increase in thickness and the limited interventions of partial demolition from the existing structural members. A critical review of the steel jacketing aspects in terms of bending and shear strengthening is reported by considering this technique in the form of a steel exoskeleton containing the damaged concrete structure, by confining concrete elements, and by increasing the performance for both gravitational and seismic loads. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

34 pages, 14827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Masonry Infill Walls on the Seismic Assessment of Non-Seismically Designed RC Framed Structures

by Rodrigo Falcão Moreira, Humberto Varum and José Miguel Castro

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051148 - 26 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1180

Abstract

This paper examines how the decision to include (or exclude) masonry infill walls in the modelling of non-seismically designed RC framed structures can affect the results of the EC8-3 seismic assessment process. A frequently used macro-modelling technique for the simulation of infill panels within bounding RC members is first reviewed. A case-study application follows in which the seismic assessment of a sample structure is carried out, with and without considering the effect of its infill walls, using nonlinear static and dynamic analysis models. The obtained results are then discussed according to the applicable limit states’ performance requirements, and conclusions are drawn regarding the overall outcome. The study indicates that, when low and medium seismic input motions constitute the base demand for the assessment of older-type RC framed buildings, the protection provided to the RC members by the confined masonry infill panels should not be neglected. Moreover, it shows that the identification of the most likely collapse mechanism might also be significantly influenced by the modelling decision in question. As such, the default recommendation is to include masonry infill walls in the modelling of such structures. Full article

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19 pages, 4643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Seismic Collapse Safety of Post-Fire Steel Moment Frames

by Esmaeil Mohammadi Dehcheshmeh, Parya Rashed, Vahid Broujerdian, Ayoub Shakouri and Farhad Aslani

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 1091; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041091 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1505

Abstract

This paper summarizes a study focused on evaluating the post-fire performance of steel Intermediate Moment Frames (IMFs) following earthquakes. To this aim, archetypes comprising 3-bay IMFs with three different heights were seismically designed, and their two-dimensional finite element models were created in OpenSees software. The post-fire mechanical properties of steel were inserted into the models based on 64 different fire scenarios. The effects of different cooling methods are scrutinized at system level. To develop seismic fragility curves, Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) was performed using 50 suites of far-field and near-field records, according to FEMA-P695. Then, the Collapse Margin Ratio (CMR) of each model was calculated based on the data from the fragility analysis. The results show that the seismic resistance of structures that experienced fire declines to some extent. In addition, the lowest safety level was observed when the structures were subjected to pulse-like near-field records. Full article

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23 pages, 31765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Architectural Characteristics and Determination Seismic Risk Priorities of Traditional Masonry Structures: A Case Study for Bitlis (Eastern Türkiye)

by Enes Arkan, Ercan Işık, Ehsan Harirchian, Mine Topçubaşı and Fatih Avcil

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041042 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1290

Abstract

The loss of life due to large-scale structural damage has again demonstrated the importance of taking precautions before an earthquake. In this context, determining the risk priorities for the existing building stock and making the final decisions about the buildings is one of the basic measures to be taken before an earthquake. Within the scope of this study, the regional risk priorities have been determined for twenty different masonry buildings in Bitlis (Türkiye), located in the Lake Van Basin, which has a high earthquake risk. The Turkish Rapid Assessment Method was used for masonry structures in this study which was updated in 2019 using the necessary data obtained for each structure on site. In addition, information about the architectural characteristics and current structural conditions of traditional Bitlis houses is given in this study. Current seismic parameters are also obtained for the location of each building. All data in the article were obtained from field research, and this is one of the first studies in which the rapid assessment method was used. In this method, buildings with low scores have a higher risk priority, and building performance scores were obtained between 25 and 85. With this and similar studies, regional risk priorities can be determined, and the number of buildings subjected to detailed assessment can be reduced. Full article

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17 pages, 23863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of the Historical Analysis of the Seismic Parameters for Retroffiting Measures in Chilean Bridges

by Enrique Calderón, Matías Valenzuela, Vinicius Minatogawa and Hernán Pinto

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020274 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Chile is exposed to the occurrence of medium- and large-magnitude earthquakes. As a result, national and international design codes have been developed, whose objectives are to grant an ideal behavior to the structures. However, in Chile, many of these structures do not comply with the design and construction standards of current regulations. Therefore, we propose to carry out a historical compilation that allows establishing the components that present the seismic vulnerability in bridges built from 1920 to 2010. We explored information gathered from the Government of Chile. We analyzed 553 bridges out of a total of 6835, considering superstructure and infrastructure components and seismic design evolution. The analysis emphasizes the elements that help improve the seismic performance of a bridge when natural or induced dynamic forces act on it, such as the length support, elastomeric bearing, seismic hold-down bars, transverse girders, seismic stoppers, bracing, and expansion joints. We identified that the most significant problems in bridges are the lack of seismic stoppers, both interior and exterior; lack of development length in the support tables; use of deficient expansion joints; and the inefficient construction of cross girders and baring support; in addition to the presence of differential settlements in elements of the infrastructure. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

11 pages, 3740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Fragility of Aging Elevated Water Tank with Smooth Bars Considering Soil Structure Interaction

by Hariram Rimal, Piyush Pradhan, Dipendra Gautam and Rajesh Rupakhety

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010004 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4501

Abstract

The functionality of elevated water tanks is pivotal to assure after an earthquake as water supply is expected to be uninterrupted. Although elevated water tanks with deformed bars are widely studied, limited works exist for water tanks with smooth bars, although such tanks comprise a considerable fraction, even in the high seismic regions. To quantify the seismic vulnerability of aging elevated water tanks with smooth bars, we created analytical fragility functions for full, half, and empty reservoir conditions, considering fluid–structure and soil–structure interactions. The sum of findings reflects that soil flexibility and the amount of water present in the tank have a significant effect on overall seismic fragility, especially at higher damage states. The tanks are found to be most vulnerable when they are fully filled with water. The effect of soil flexibility is more pronounced at higher damage states. The difference between the fragility of flexible base and fixed base structures is found to increase with increasing ground motion intensity and it is the highest for the empty tank condition. Full article

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19 pages, 7945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Applicability of Conventional Seismic Design Methodologies to Hybrid RC-Steel Systems

by Rodrigo Falcão Moreira, Humberto Varum and José Miguel Castro

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101558 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1422

Abstract

This paper addresses the application of conventional (force-based) seismic design methodologies to hybrid RC-steel systems. The q-factor-based EC8-3 seismic assessment procedure is first reviewed. A case-study application follows, analyzing and discussing the difficulties a practitioner will face when assessing the efficiency of a steel-brace retrofitting system designed within the framework of EC8-1. Afterward, the performance of the obtained retrofitted structure is evaluated using nonlinear analysis. The obtained results are discussed in light of the EC8-3 performance requirements, and conclusions are drawn about the adequacy of the force-based design (FBD) methodology (and associated q-factors) for such situations. The study shows that the process does not ensure the adequate seismic behavior of the retrofitted structures. It thus calls for the development of an effective performance-based design methodology that explicitly considers the interaction between the two structural systems (RC structure and steel braces), namely the influence of the steel braces’ resistance on the deformation capacity of RC members. Full article

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23 pages, 3974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Exclusive Seismic Fragility Curves for Critical Infrastructure: An Oil Pumping Station Case Study

by Alon Urlainis and Igal M. Shohet

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060842 - 16 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2058

Abstract

Fragility curves are a common tool to appraise the expected damage to critical infrastructure (CI) after an earthquake event. Previous studies offer fragility curve parameters for CI that are suitable for a vast range of systems, without an in-depth examination of the system architecture and subcomponents. These curves are applicable in cases where a thorough analysis is not required or when the information related to a single system is poor. This paper proposes an original approach and presents a comprehensive methodology for developing exclusive fragility curves for critical infrastructure systems. In the proposed methodology, the fragility curves are developed by a decomposition of the system into its main subcomponents and determination of the failure mechanisms. The derivation of the fragility parameters includes failure analysis for each damage state by a Fault Tree Analysis and approximation of the fragility parameters in accordance with the rate of exceedance. The implementation of the methodology is demonstrated by a case study with three alternatives of an oil pumping plant configuration. It was found that a change of a subcomponent has an effect on the derived values of the fragility parameters. Moreover, the variances in the fragility parameters have implications for the effectiveness of each alternative to resist different levels of severity. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

29 pages, 18199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Fragility Functions for Non-Seismically Designed RC Structures Considering Pounding Effects

by Hossameldeen Mohamed and Xavier Romão

Buildings 2021, 11(12), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11120665 - 20 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2908

Abstract

The proposed study develops fragility functions for non-seismically designed reinforced concrete structures considering different pounding configurations. The study addresses an existing research gap, since large-scale seismic risk assessment studies involving the seismic performance assessment of building portfolios usually do not involve fragility functions accounting for the possibility of pounding. The selected structures include configurations involving different separation distance values and exhibiting floor-to-floor pounding, floor-to-column pounding, pounding between structures with a significant height difference, and pounding between structures with a significant mass difference. The behaviour of these pounding configurations was analysed using incremental dynamic analysis and compared with that of the corresponding control cases (i.e., individual structures with no interaction with other structures). The results indicate the type of failure mechanism that contributes to the global collapse of the different configurations and the influence of the separation distance. Results highlight the main differences between the expected performance of different pounding configurations with respect to the occurrence of the failure mechanism that governs their collapse. Finally, results indicate that large-scale seismic risk assessment studies should consider fragility functions accounting for different pounding configurations when the possibility of pounding is not negligible, except in cases involving floor-to-floor pounding. Full article

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33 pages, 9212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Seismic Building Vulnerability Using Rapid Visual Screening Method through Web-Based Application for Malaysia

by Moustafa Moufid Kassem, Salmia Beddu, Jun Hao Ooi, Chee Ghuan Tan, Ahmad Mohamad El-Maissi and Fadzli Mohamed Nazri

Buildings 2021, 11(10), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100485 - 18 Oct 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6856

Abstract

Rapid visual screening is a quick and simple approach often used by researchers to estimate the seismic vulnerability of buildings in an area. In this study, preliminary seismic vulnerability assessment of 500 buildings situated at Northern and Eastern George Town, Malaysia, was carried out by utilizing a modified FEMA-154 (2002) method that suits Malaysian conditions. Data were collected from online sources via Google Maps and Google Earth instead of traditional surveying data collection through street screening. The seismic assessment analysis of this study was based on the RVS performance score and the damage state classification for each building typology. This approach generates, for each building, a final performance score based on governing parameters such as structural resisting system, height, structural irregularities, building age, and soil type. The findings revealed the immediate need for effective seismic mitigation strategies, as 90% of the studied buildings required a further detailed analyses to pinpoint their exact seismic vulnerability performance. Most of the surveyed buildings were predicted to experience moderate-to-substantial damage, with 220 out of 500 being classed as damage state 2 (D2) and damage state 3 (D3). A GIS map, “RVS Malaysian Form-George Town Area”, was generated via ArcGIS and shared with the public to provide vital information for further research. Full article

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21 pages, 5779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stochastic Dynamic Analysis of Cultural Heritage Towers up to Collapse

by Emmanouil-Georgios S. Kouris, Leonidas-Alexandros S. Kouris, Avraam A. Konstantinidis, Stavros K. Kourkoulis, Chris G. Karayannis and Elias C. Aifantis

Buildings 2021, 11(7), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11070296 - 07 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

This paper deals with the seismic vulnerability of monumental unreinforced masonry (URM) towers, the fragility of which has not yet been sufficiently studied. Thus, the present paper fills this gap by developing models to investigate the seismic response of URM towers up to collapse. On mount Athos, Greece, there exist more than a hundred medieval towers, having served mainly as campaniles or fortifications. Eight representative towers were selected for a thorough investigation to estimate their seismic response characteristics. Their history and architectural features are initially discussed and a two-step analysis follows: (i) limit analysis is performed to estimate the collapse mechanism and the locations of critical cracks, (ii) non-linear explicit dynamic analyses are then carried out, developing finite element (FE) simulations, with cracks modelled as interfacial surfaces to derive the capacity curves. A meaningful definition of the damage states is proposed based on the characteristics of their capacity curves, with the ultimate limit state related to collapse. The onset of slight damage-state is characterised by the formation and development of cracks responsible for the collapse mechanism of the structure. Apart from these two, another two additional limit states are also specified: the moderate damage-state and the extensive one. Fragility and vulnerability curves are finally generated which can help the assessment and preservation of cultural heritage URM towers. Full article

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14 pages, 1599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kriging Metamodel-Based Seismic Fragility Analysis of Single-Bent Reinforced Concrete Highway Bridges

by Phuong Hoa Hoang, Hoang Nam Phan, Duy Thao Nguyen and Fabrizio Paolacci

Buildings 2021, 11(6), 238; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11060238 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3737

Abstract

Uncertainty quantification is an important issue in the seismic fragility analysis of bridge type structures. However, the influence of different sources of uncertainty on the seismic fragility of the system is commonly overlooked due to the costly re-evaluation of numerical model simulations. This paper aims to present a framework for the seismic fragility analysis of reinforced concrete highway bridges, where a data-driven metamodel is developed to approximate the structural response to structural and ground motion uncertainties. The proposed framework to generate fragility curves shows its efficiency while using a few finite element simulations and accounting for various modeling uncertainties influencing the bridge seismic fragility. In this respect, a class of single-bent bridges available in the literature is taken as a case study, whose three-dimensional finite element model is established by the OpenSees software framework. Twenty near-source records from different sources are selected and the Latin hypercube method is applied for generating the random samples of modeling and ground motion parameters. The Kriging metamodel is then driven on the structural response obtained from nonlinear time history analyses. Component fragility curves of the reinforced concrete pier column are derived for different damage states using the Kriging metamodel whose parameters are established considering different modeling parameters generated by Monte Carlo simulations. The results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed framework in interpolating the structural response and deriving the fragility curve of the case study with any input conditions of the random variables. Full article

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21 pages, 2540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic and Coastal Vulnerability Assessment Model for Buildings in Chile

by Catalina Quiñones-Bustos, Maria Teresa Bull and Claudio Oyarzo-Vera

Buildings 2021, 11(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11030107 - 09 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3216

Abstract

This article proposes a vulnerability assessment model for evaluating buildings’ expected seismic performance, as well as their vulnerability to tsunamis. The objective of this assessment is to provide appropriate information for decision makers regarding the need of repairs and reinforcement of buildings or other mitigation measures that need to be applied in a territory. A procedure for assessing seismic vulnerability and another methodology for evaluating tsunami vulnerability faced by coastal structures is presented. Finally, a method that integrates both procedures is proposed, providing a combined index of vulnerability. The assessment model was applied to the central area of the city of Talcahuano, Chile, which was affected by the 2010 Maule earthquake and tsunami. Full article

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Published Papers (13 papers)

2024

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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022, 2021

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2021

2021

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

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