Damage assessment and strengthening of an existing RC building

Abstract

This paper investigates seismic capacity and probable damages assessment from earthquakes on existing buildings, more specifically, Archeological Museum building. Also, in this paper one of the techniques (reinforced concrete jacket) for increasing the structural capacity is applied. The importance of studying the behavior of this building is based on two issues: its essential use as well as the period of construction based on KTP-N2-89.This building is designed as R/C frame system, and a reconstructed model is chosen to be estimate; so, conclusions are referred only to that building. However, the developed approach may be used in analyzing other structural R/C frame systems.The first step of the study is related to the identification of the seismic zones, where the building is situated, and the period of its constructions as well as actual condition of structural elements and materials. Secondly, using the information of seismic design conditions and by performing respective pushover analyses, the capacity curve can be provided. After that, modeling bilinear capacity curves in AD format, defining the damage threshold levels; calculating cumulative probability and performing regression analysis - the fragility curves can be obtained.Considering different seismic codes requirements (the existing Albanian Code KTP-N2-89 -still in force and Eurocode 8) the analyses of performance points makes possible to assess the probable damage levels of buildings. After results of damage assessment regarding actual structural situation, comes out, a valuation of structural strengthening is considered.Applying reinforced concrete jacket for columns, it is recalculate the capacity of the strengthened structure. Finally, comparin