Abstract
Civil structures must be designed to withstand demands throughout their lifespan, ensuring adequate safety levels. However, accidental events, such as fires and vehicular impacts, present high uncertainty regarding intensity, location and occurrence probability, potentially exposing the structure's lack of robustness and representing significant risk. A column loss, for example, can trigger progressive collapse. To prevent disproportionate damage, reinforcements or safety devices can be used. However, traditional reinforcements can be expensive and impractical, especially in existing buildings. In this context, an optimized structural protection device is proposed for reinforced concrete columns, capable of inhibiting or reducing damage caused by impacts and fires and reducing the likelihood of collapse due to falling slabs. The device consists of cellular structures, known for their energy absorption and thermal insulation properties. Using multi-objective optimization techniques, compromise points that composes Pareto fronts are explored. Through case studies, these points are evaluated and promoted to optimal solutions in scenarios that require specific mechanical and thermal capabilities to ensure the columns integrity against the mentioned hazards, coupled with optimized material consumption. A cost-benefit analysis based on risk minimization is also presented, aiming to reduce expected failure costs and failure probabilities in adverse scenarios. Supported by positive results, it is concluded that of the cellular protection device emerges as a good alternative to traditional structural reinforcement techniques, standing out for its versatility, effectiveness, and potential for application with reduced costs.
Published Version
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