Abstract
The global objective of sustainable development has been greatly directed toward the preservation of existing structures. Therefore, condition assessment and reconstruction of existing timber structures have been gaining importance in recent times. This is particularly evident on timber roofs whose elements are exposed to degradation, either because of rheological effects or due to the direct influence of moisture and biological factors. In case of accidental events, such as an earthquake, the question of the structure’s condition is essential for the condition of the entire building. In order to prove the load-bearing capacity and serviceability of existing structures, as well as to check the need for reconstruction, it is necessary to define crucial parameters that are influencing the condition of materials, elements, and systems. Although there are many non destructive testing methods, the frequency and scope of their use, as well as the decision-making approach, have not been defined. In the paper, non-destructive and semi-destructive methods frequently used for timber structures are explained. A systematic review of criteria to be used in the assessment of load-bearing timber structures in a seismic active area was the main objective of this paper as well as the illustration of non-destructive and semi-destructive test methods through a case study involving roof construction of a hundred-year-old building in Zagreb, Croatia. Pre- and post-earthquake inspection was made. The overall condition of the roof structure after two significant earthquakes can be assessed as satisfactory given that the observed system is a large-span and massive roof structure. The presented results and identification of typical damages after the earthquake are presented in order to facilitate policy makers and for the future implementation of development strategies in the renovation of the city.
Highlights
European building stock comprises a large number of masonry structures with timber roofs and floors
This paper presents the typology of timber roofs in Croatia and the damage caused by recent earthquakes
Visual inspection of all load-bearing elements of the roof structure in question was carried out following the standard HR EN 17121: 2019 [21] and the procedures given by Piazza et al and Dietsch et al [19,22]
Summary
European building stock comprises a large number of masonry structures with timber roofs and floors These kinds of structures often give the recognizable identity of old European cities but are vulnerable to seismic excitation. The knowledge of their current state and possible structural upgrading is beneficial In this regard, the continuous assessment and monitoring of the seismic safety and vulnerability of buildings must be obtained on the highest level and with state-of-the-art principles [1,2,3]. The first earthquake occurred on 22 March 2020, with the epicenter 10 km from Zagreb and a magnitude of ML = 5.5. The second one appeared on 30 December 2020, with the epicenter near the town of Petrinja, which is about 50 km from Zagreb. World Bank estimates the total financial damage from the Zagreb earthquake as EUR 11.3 billion and EUR 5.1–5.5 billion for the Petrinja earthquake [4]
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