Seismic Rehabilitation of a Three-Storey R/C Flat-Slab Prototype Structure Using Different Techniques

Abstract

This paper presents some results of a numerical study on the seismic performance and retrofitting of a R/C flat-slab prototype structure. The study was based on an experimental program carried out at the JRC ELSA Laboratory with the aim of assessing the seismic behaviour of flat-slab structures. Numerical models of the test structure were developed and nonlinear static and dynamic analyses were carried out. Two seismic retrofit techniques were numerically simulated to enhance the seismic performance of the structure. First the structure was rehabilitated by concrete jacketing of columns with added longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. The second intervention was based on confinement of column ends by using FRP wrapping. The results of this study provide information about the seismic performance of a common type of R/C structure not covered by the provisions of Eurocode 8, as well as the potential to mitigate the expected damage for varying earthquake intensity through retrofit. The comparison of the overall seismic response of the bare and rehabilitated structures showed the seismic performance improvements provided by the retrofitting interventions.