In many countries, such as Montenegro, numerous existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings were designed and built before the adoption of modern seismic codes. These buildings make up a significant portion of Montenegro's RC building stock, making their assessment, retrofitting, and strengthening an urgent research topic. This shortcoming because of insufficient transverse reinforcement, poor...
The structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures with and without infill is investigated in this work under axial and horizontal loading scenarios. Using sophisticated software and micro modelling approaches, the structural performance of RC frames of various lengths both bare and infilled is assessed, with a focus on rigidity, ductility, and load-bearing capacity. The RC frames...
The second-generation of Eurocode 8 (EC8) has reached an advanced stage of development and some validations have already been made. With reference to the seismic assessment of existing masonry buildings, basically the same methods proposed for the design of new structures are indicated: linear static analysis, and nonlinear static analysis. Even if these methods are already in use within some...
An N-degree-of-freedom structure can be represented by using N single-degree-of-freedom modal sticks/oscillators, which form an N-dimensional modal space. Because each modal stick represents a modal equation of motion, we always take it for granted that a modal stick is one-dimensional. This paper shows that a modal equation of motion could be multi-dimensional. Accordingly, the corresponding...
Dual systems that combine moment-resisting frames with innovative replaceable bracing systems offer significant advantages over conventional solutions. The key benefits of these systems include energy dissipation at specific locations and a re-centring capability, which substantially reduces repair costs. However, the design of such systems must meet specific requirements, such as using higher...
As urban areas become increasingly dense, the vertical extension of existing structures has gained importance, especially in seismically active regions. The challenge is more pronounced for older buildings designed with minimal or no seismic provisions. Light frame timber systems are often preferred for vertical extensions due to their low mass, which minimizes additional seismic forces on the...
ABSTRACT
The focus of the research in this paper is Quasi-static tests on RC building columns strengthened with CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers). To present the possibilities and the benefits of use of these materials, laboratory research for definition of the characteristics and experimental investigations of RC columns strengthened by CFRP by variation of concrete class,...
Earthquakes pose a significant threat to roads and infrastructure facilities. The collapse and damage of poles along roads due to earthquakes can pose a danger to road users and an obstacle to rescue services. The paper analyzes the influence of the material of construction and the type of pole foundation on the behavior and damage of poles during an earthquake. The paper first presents the...
For high-rise buildings, reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls have emerged as a preferred structural element due to their significant contributions to global lateral strength, stiffness, and ductility. The lateral stiffness RC structural walls provide to the building system effectively mitigates structural and non-structural damage by limiting excessive deformation. Therefore, accurately...
This paper evaluates the seismic resistance and vulnerability of an existing unreinforced masonry (URM) building in Zagreb's Folnegovićevo neighborhood. The building with potentially low seismic resistance was erected in the 60s, a period characterized by the introduction of the first seismic code in practice. It has a rectangular plan 36.9 m x 10.7 m and consists of a basement, a ground floor...
Today, the use of energy-dissipating systems such as yielding metal damper in structures can improve the seismic performance of structures. One of the characteristics of metal-yielding dampers is the ability to dissipate high energy and increase the ductility of the structural system, which can improve the ductility and energy absorption characteristics of the metal frame equipped with braces...
Finite element (FE) response sensitivity analysis is essential for gradient-based structural optimization, reliability analysis, system identification, and FE model updating. In this study, the direct differentiation method (DDM) is applied for FE response sensitivity analysis of a planar Steel Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) and the TADAS dissipative element. The DDM algorithm is...
In seismic design and assessment, it is often assumed that the seismic resistance of the structure remains constant over time, although it is subject to deterioration processes. However, structure exposure to its environment and local climate lead to several degradation mechanisms, which impact structure durability and load-bearing capacity. By neglecting the influence of the environment and...
The seismic performance of building structures is governed by the lateral stiffness which is provided by the geometrical and material characteristics of their structural elements and their arrangement in plan and elevation. In general, the procedure for designing the structures to withstand the code-prescribed lateral loads is quite straightforward. However, the performance of the building...
Masonry infills are used as outer and inner partitions in reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. Although regarded as non-structural elements, masonry infills are activated under seismic actions. Because of this activation, masonry infills experience life-threatening damage. Moreover, they affect the seismic response of the whole RC frame structure, as they modify the dynamic...
This paper presents an analysis of the behaviour of a wooden building and its dynamic parameters, considering different methods of modelling the connections between elements, with a focus on the structural elements that are part of the horizontal load-bearing system. The building's structural elements are made of GLT, CLT, and LVL components, with a unique horizontal load-bearing structure...
To establish a connection with structural vulnerability, ground motions generate intricate datasets distinguished by various properties.
The objective of the investigation is to evaluate the impact of specific seismic record properties on the nonlinear structural response of buildings, with the ultimate goal of determining the characteristics that have the most significant effect on...
In earthquake-prone areas, soil–structure interaction (SSI) may play a key role in ensuring structural safety. This study investigates the effects of SSI on the seismic response of a six-storey reinforced concrete (RC) frame building, using guidelines from American codes and Eurocode 8 for soil types B and C. The analysis compares the building's behavior under various soil conditions and...
In everyday engineering calculations, walls in masonry structures are typically analyzed as isolated from the rest of the structure. The corresponding gravitational load is determined, and the horizontal load is applied to the wall, assuming that floors are rigid within their plane and transfer horizontal loads according to the stiffness of the walls at the building's base. The wall's bearing...
Confined masonry (CM) technology is extensively employed in many parts of the world for the construction of residential buildings due to its improved seismic performance compared to the vulnerable unreinforced masonry (URM). This study focuses on the numerical simulation of seismic response of CM walls and a three-storey model of a CM building using Equivalent Strut Models (ESM) in OpenSees...
The paper presents an overview of the new provisions of the second generation of the EN 1998 standards dedicated to design of bridges for earthquake resistance based on available phase of development of standards. Main document Eurocode 8 – Design of structures for earthquake resistance – Part 2: Bridges (FprEN 1998-2:2024) is analysed in relation to the introductory Part 1-1: General rules...
Nonlinear behavior of contraction joints in arch dams, such as joint opening and sliding caused by hydrostatic pressure and temperature variations, can affect the dam’s serviceability. Furthermore, strong seismic events can additionally alter the response in dynamic conditions, impacting the natural period and stress redistribution in the arches and cantilevers. In order to enhance structural...
Nonlinear behavior of contraction joints in arch dams, such as joint opening and sliding caused by hydrostatic pressure and temperature variations, can affect the dam’s serviceability. Furthermore, strong seismic events can additionally alter the response in dynamic conditions, impacting the natural period and stress redistribution in the arches and cantilevers. In order to enhance structural...
The following paper focuses on the conducted performance-based analyses of 8 representative reinforced concrete frame structures. These structures encompass a range of stories, including 2, 3, 5, and 7, and feature varying bay numbers of 3 and 4. The frames are designed to represent the central frame of a reinforced concrete spatial frame structure. The RC frame structures are designed...
Under seismic and gravity loading, existing unreinforced masonry (URM) cultural heritage buildings are vulnerable and prone to damage. With careful calibration and thorough validation, credible results can be obtained from the numerical tools, but this process requires reliable experimental data. Therefore, various blind prediction contests have been held recently. For example, a blind...
Timber construction is increasingly regarded as a key solution for sustainable building due to its low carbon footprint, renewability, and efficiency in prefabrication. These properties, combined with timber’s lightweight and design and construction in combination with steel connectors, make it particularly attractive in seismic regions, where reducing building mass and ensuring energy...
The destruction caused by recent earthquakes worldwide highlights the urgent need to assess buildings, especially those in medium-high-seismic-prone areas. Over the past few decades, advances in earthquake engineering have led to new methods to evaluate the hazard levels in buildings. Several seismic evaluation methods have been developed across the world. One such method, which is both rapid...
There are many cases around the world where vertical extensions of existing buildings are favored as alternatives to the erection of new buildings, which would entail demolishing the old structure as well. Such solutions with vertical extensions have certain benefits, but the design characteristics of the base structures and their condition after years of service urge careful consideration of...
The majority of existing bridges originate from various periods of design and construction. Due to their age, they have been exposed to environmental influences, often exacerbated by increased traffic loads and different hazards. For bridges located in areas prone to seismic activity, including our region, it is particularly important whether the structure was designed and built according to...
A large part of the housing stock of the Republic of Croatia consists of buildings that were built in the first half of the 20th century, when seismic regulations were poorly developed. Such buildings do not have quality details and have a high seismic risk.
In this work it a pushover analysis of a reinforced concrete historic high rise building in Zagreb was carried out in order to assess...
Recent global events such as earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, floods and similar crises, which have also affected Croatia, have highlighted the urgent need for rapidly deployable emergency shelters, hospitals and both temporary and permanent housing solutions. Simultaneously, cities around the world are grappling with accelerated population growth, creating a huge need for residential...
Seismic retrofitting of critical structures, such as schools, military facilities, and essential infrastructure, is crucial in earthquake engineering. These buildings need to meet higher performance standards than typical structures, aiming to withstand design-level seismic events (Life Safety Limit State, LSLS) and ensure functionality immediately after an earthquake. This involves not only...
One of the largest districts, known for its replicated building typologies, has been selected for this study, focusing on six-story reinforced concrete frame structures with infill masonry walls typical of 1960s construction. At the time of construction, building codes did not emphasize seismic activity to the extent that modern standards do, and the construction technology differed...
Historical structures consisting of unreinforced masonry (URM) are highly vulnerable to seismic forces, with out-of-plane failure mechanism being a primary concern. This vulnerability has often resulted in the collapses of the masonry structures during seismic events. Masonry walls tend to rock and overturn in the out-of-plane direction due to the dynamic loading, leading to either one-way or...
The national annexes of each country employing the European codes of practice define different procedures for calculating the maximum interstorey drift ratio. In the case of North Macedonia, the damage limitation state is evaluated using a seismic zonation map for a seismic action having a larger probability of occurrence than the design seismic action. Thus, when designing a structure, one...
Past research has demonstrated that foundation rocking, can reduce demands on the superstructure by dissipating a portion of earthquake energy through soil-structure interaction (SSI). Canadian seismic provisions allow two approaches for foundation design: capacity-protected (CP) and non-capacity-protected (NCP). CP foundations are designed to fully develop the resistance of the seismic...
The focus of this research is to determine the impact of structural eccentricity on the seismic behavior of torsionally sensitive structures. To achieve this, two groups of single-story structural models with different levels of irregularity were analyzed. The dimensions of the structures at the base are 6 m x 5 m, with a story height of 3 m. The total external load on each structure is 300...
