Seismic Retrofit or Rehabilitation of the Structures/Buildings - A Review

Abstract

Abstract: This research programme provides solutions addressing the comparative absence of a national platform of knowledge and expertise associated with seismic retrofit or rehabilitation of the multi-storey buildings. This will be achieved through two research objectives that define retrofit solutions for building classes differentiated by:  Age and  Construction materials. The knowledge created in this proposal will be embodied in a Seismic Retrofit Manual titled “Assessment and Improvement of the Structural Performance of Buildings”. Dissemination of research findings will be achieved through “Seismic Retrofit Strategies and Solutions for Existing Buildings: Implementation of the retrofit manual within undergraduate and post-graduate structural engineering programs. Uptake of these solutions will provide national benefit through improved community resilience and greater readiness, as seismically retrofitted multi-storey buildings will be safer to occupy during and after a major earthquake. Economic benefit will primarily accrue through prevention of damage to multi-storey buildings and social benefit will result from lives saved. Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values. Keywords: Earthquake; Unreinforced Concrete Block Masonry; Retrofitting; Rehabilitation; Vulnerability assessment;