Seismic Fragility and Retrofit of Non-Ductile Reinforced Concrete Structures using New Technologies

Catholic University Of America, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

Seismic Fragility and Retrofit of Non-Ductile Reinforced Concrete Structures using New Technologies Abstract This project will address the applicability of new technologies, namely supplemental passive energy dissipation systems (EDS) for the retrofit of non-ductile reinforced concrete (NDRC) structures. The effectiveness of various EDS alternatives will be demonstrated and comparative studies will be performed. This study will be carried out based on the actual observed damage during the 1999 Turkey (August 17, Marmara and November 12, Duzce) earthquakes. In collaboration with researchers and engineers in Turkey, damage data from the 1999 Turkey earthquakes will be compiled. Selected data on the damaged reinforced concrete structures will be utilized to develop realistic computational models using the inelastic structural analysis software IDARC, and to develop fragility information from the statistics of the observed structural response. Retrofit design of several alternative EDS systems such as friction devices, metallic devices, viscous devices and re-centering devices will be carried out according to established performance criteria. This part of the study will allow a direct and comprehensive comparison of the effectiveness of all the considered EDS systems. Overall, this study will provide valuable information to the rational quantification of loss reduction through fragility changes. The assessed change of fragility curves will allow immediate evaluation of the sensitivity of suggested retrofit solutions using EDS simultaneously considering all the influencing parameters, i.e. seismic hazard, seismic demand, and the capacity limit states of structures.