Seismic Evaluation, Strengthening and Retrofitting of Schools in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents strengthening and retrofitting of masonry and reinforced cement concrete buildings of schools in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The school buildings were either L-shape or building aggregate constructed with the combination of random rubble stone masonry, brick masonry or reinforced cement concrete. The integrated approach of qualitative assessment with visual inspection, non-destructive testing, masonry structure evaluation with analytical method for in-plane and out-of-plane safety and the method of capacity demand ratio based on elastic analysis and design was used for reinforced cement concrete structures. As per design requirements and fund availability, local retrofit techniques of jacketing stone masonry random rubble walls, splint bandage technique for brick masonry and jacketing of reinforced cement concrete beams and columns were carried out in phases to improve the lateral resistance and bring the structure to the original state. Bracing of trusses was proposed to increase the rigidity of existing flexible roof of masonry structure. The retrofitting and strengthening of building in seismic zone lead to the sensitization of the state disaster management authority about the necessity of developing building resilience of important buildings, thus reducing disaster causality and economic loss. This work highlights the need of seismic evaluation of schools to prioritize the retrofit activity across the network of institutions.KeywordsSeismic zoneMasonry buildingRetrofit techniquesIn-plane safetyOut-of-plane safetyJacketing of wall