Seismic analysis and retrofitting of civil engineering structures

Many existing reinforced concrete structures in present world are inadequate for earthquakes. Recent earthquakes which occurred during last decade have indicated that major damage occurred was not directly due to actions of earthquakes but due to poor performance of structures during earthquakes. It is recognized that the most effective method of reducing the risk of damaging structure is seismic retrofitting. In recent years, there is a significant improvement of retrofitting techniques. This study highlights the principals of assessing and retrofitting of structures against seismic events. Some of these methods were practically implemented and procedures are illustrated using a case study of four storey RC building retrofitted for a moderate earthquake. Finite Element Method was used to investigate the performance of the building during the earthquake and to check the behaviour of the structure after applying retrofitting techniques. The methods such as steel and concrete jacketing and application of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites which were used to improve the load bearing capacity of individual structural elements are highlighted and methods such as shear walls and shear cores which can be used to improve overall stability are discussed