engleski

Assessment and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures

Croatian building stock is comprised of a large number of masonry structures most of which were built before seismic codes were developed. This means that a risk of significant damage or even collapse in the case of an earthquake is unacceptably high. In order to try and mitigate the risk, many structures should be strengthened. Before strengthening can be made, assessment should be made. In this paper, different assessment methods and most commonly used tools and techniques are analyzed and compared, with a focus on their basic features and field of application. Finite element numerical modelling issues and specifics are also discussed. Croatian ARES (Assessment and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures) project, currently in its early stages, is also briefly presented. Basic goals and the scope of the project are defined and explained. Study of the role of assessment on the reliability analysis of existing structures is one of the main goals of the project in order to improve the overall prediction of structural behaviour during an earthquake. Comparison of different methods and compiling the guidelines for their use in specific situations is also an important part of the project. Suggestions for modelling at an acceptable level of precision will be developed. General tendency is currently to focus on the energy renovation of buildings with a little to no considerations of the seismic behaviour of the structure. This means that if seismic strengthening is to be made some time in the future, additional money will have to be spent to achieve the same effect. Solving all of the mentioned problems will lead to a better and more uniform risk assessment of existing masonry structures which should lead to a safer building stock.

existing structures, earthquakes, building stock, structural assessment, rehabilitation

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