Conventional Strengthening Methods
Methods for Seismic Retrofitting of Structures
Retrofitting of existing structures with insufficient seismic resistance accounts for a major portion of the total cost of hazard mitigation. Thus, it is of critical importance that the structures that need seismic retrofitting are identified correctly, and an optimal retrofitting is conducted in a cost effective fashion. Once the decision is made, seismic retrofitting can be performed through several methods with various objectives such as increasing the load, deformation, and/or energy dissipation capacity of the structure (FEMA, 2000). Conventional as well as emerging retrofit methods are briefly presented in the following subsections.
Conventional Strengthening Methods
Conventional retrofitting methods include addition of new structural elements to the system and enlarging the existing members. Addition of shear walls and bracings shown in Fig. 1(a) is the most popular strengthening method due to its effectiveness, relative ease, and lower overall project cost compared to column and beam jacketing shown in Fig. 1(b) and (c), respectively. Relative effectiveness of various wall and bracing configurations are compared in Fig. 1(a). From this figure, it is seen that post-cast shear walls and steel braced frames are the most effective strengthening techniques. Although the latter is more effective due to its much higher ductility, post-cast concrete shear walls are the most commonly applied method due to their lower cost and familiarity of the construction industry with the method. Design of additional shear walls is performed to resist a major fraction of the lateral loads likely to act on the structure. This reduces the demand on the beams and columns, hence increasing their safety. Those still likely to be overstressed are strengthened through concrete or steel jacketing, which are relatively more laborious applications. Fig. 2 shows applications of various conventional strengthening methods such as post-cast shear wall (a), additional foundation to support the shear walls to be remedy vertical irregularities (d). The main research need associated with conventional strengthening methods is optimization of the retrofit design to achieve a satisfactory structural performance level at a minimum cost based on reliably characterized seismic demand and structural capacity.structed around the stairs (b), concrete jacketing of a column (c), and addition of column members to remedy vertical irregularities (d). The main research need associated with conventional strengthening methods is optimization of the retrofit design to achieve a satisfactory structural performance level at a minimum cost based on reliably characterized seismic demand and structural capacity.