Optimal seismic retrofit strategy selection of deteriorating concrete structures

Abstract

This paper presents a robust/repeatable approach for identification of the optimal retrofit strategy for structures in seismic zones which is probabilistically based and ultimately objective. The approach addresses the issues of (i) computational complexity vs. efficiency in modeling structures in seismic zones, (ii) the formulation of the structures seismic vulnerability probabilistically through the use of fragility curves and (iii) the incorporation of varying seismic retrofit options into these fragility curves to identify the optimal rehabilitation strategy for a structure as a function of condition. The overall aim and result is the optimization of retrofit budgets.