With an objective towards seismic strengthening of existing buildings, seismic retrofitting is the process of adding strengthening elements to make buildings gain more resistance against seismic activity (earthquakes).
We shall have a look at a few types of retrofitting measures adopted for different kinds of constructions:
Concrete Tilt up and Reinforced Masonry:
The main intention of applying retrofit to these types of buildings is to prevent the roof from pulling apart during seismic activity. The retrofitting procedure involves anchoring the roof to the wall by using various bracing and applying continuity ties throughout the building.
Un-reinforced Masonry:
Buildings constructed through un-reinforced masonry generally would require roof to wall connections, continuity ties and plywood overlay at the roof. Certain buildings may require additional wall thickness to boost the strength, this is achieved using tube steel, gunite or epoxy fiber wrapping.
Tuck under apartment buildings (Soft Story Conditions):
These kinds of buildings have an open first floor used for parking purposes. These buildings are at a greater risk during earthquakes due to sheer or overturning of these building structures. The retrofitting procedures may include addition of a steel moment frame, concrete footing, sheer walls and drag lines to stabilize and strengthen the first floor.
Concrete Buildings with more than 2 stories:
Larger concrete buildings might require a seismic retrofit including a combination of concrete shear walls, gunite, column fiber wrapping and steel collectors.
Knowing the effects of earthquakes and being aware of the stability of the building will lead building owners towards Seismic Retrofitting. Doing this will avert damages to life and property from seismic events.
We shall have a look at a few types of retrofitting measures adopted for different kinds of constructions:
Concrete Tilt up and Reinforced Masonry:
The main intention of applying retrofit to these types of buildings is to prevent the roof from pulling apart during seismic activity. The retrofitting procedure involves anchoring the roof to the wall by using various bracing and applying continuity ties throughout the building.
Un-reinforced Masonry:
Buildings constructed through un-reinforced masonry generally would require roof to wall connections, continuity ties and plywood overlay at the roof. Certain buildings may require additional wall thickness to boost the strength, this is achieved using tube steel, gunite or epoxy fiber wrapping.
Tuck under apartment buildings (Soft Story Conditions):
These kinds of buildings have an open first floor used for parking purposes. These buildings are at a greater risk during earthquakes due to sheer or overturning of these building structures. The retrofitting procedures may include addition of a steel moment frame, concrete footing, sheer walls and drag lines to stabilize and strengthen the first floor.
Concrete Buildings with more than 2 stories:
Larger concrete buildings might require a seismic retrofit including a combination of concrete shear walls, gunite, column fiber wrapping and steel collectors.
Knowing the effects of earthquakes and being aware of the stability of the building will lead building owners towards Seismic Retrofitting. Doing this will avert damages to life and property from seismic events.
