Suggestions on Improving the Seismic Performance of Portuguese Old ‘Pombalino’ Buildings

Abstract

There was a destructive earthquake in Lisbon, 1755. After that earthquake people built ‘Pombalino’ masonry building in Lisbon downtown. As time goes by, these buildings need to be reinforced and refitted because of the degeneration of the elements, the requirements for seismic performance and the new functions these buildings should be adapted to. This paper aims to provide some suggestions on how to reinforce the ‘Pombalino’ building and improve the seismic performance. These three suggestions are discussed and concluded by the theoretical analysis of three kinds of reinforcement measures, which include strengthening the connections with FRP elements, pasting carbon fiber sheets to improve the shear strength of masonry, setting laminated rubber pad isolation system to improve the seismic performance and the advantages and feasibility of these suggestions. Considering the advantages of the FRP materials, which are discussed in the following paper, the FRP connecting elements, as well as carbon fiber sheets can be a good choice to replace the aging connecting elements. To improve the seismic performance of this building, laminated rubber pad isolation system can be installed to absorb the energy caused by earthquake and reinforce the degenerated piles footing.