Vulnerability assessment and feasibility analysis of seismic strengthening of school buildings

The majority of structures in seismic-prone areas worldwide are structures that have been designed either without seismic design considerations, or using codes of practice that are seriously inadequate in the light of current seismic design principles. In Cyprus, after a series of earthquakes that occurred between 1995 and 1999, it was decided to carry out an unprecedented internationally seismic retrofitting of all school buildings, taking into account the sensitivity of the society towards these structures. In this paper representative school buildings are analysed in both their pristine condition and after applying retrofitting schemes typical of those implemented in the aforementioned large-scale strengthening programme. Non-linear analysis is conducted on calibrated analytical models of the selected buildings and fragility curves are derived for typical reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry structures. These curves are then used to carry out a feasibility study, including both benefit-cost and life-cycle analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of the strengthening programme

Seismic safety and vulnerability mitigation of school buildings

4th International fib Congress 2014: Improving Performance of Concrete Structures, FIB 2014 - Proceedings 2014, Pages 122-124The vulnerability of existing buildings to seismic forces and their retrofitting is an international problem. The majority of structures in seismic-prone areas worldwide are structures that have been designed either without the consideration of seismic forces, or using previous codes of practice specifying lower levels of seismic forces. In Cyprus, after the three earthquakes that occurred in 1995, 1996, and 1999, the Cyprus State, acting in a pioneering way internationally, has decided the seismic retrofitting of all school buildings, taking into account the sensitivity of the society towards these structures, which house the future generation of the society. In this paper the details of the over 10 year ongoing retrofitting programme of the school buildings of Cyprus are presented and two representative school buildings are chosen for further detailed investigation as far as their retrofitting is concerned. Non-linear analysis is conducted on calibrated analytical models of the two buildings in order to derive fragility curves. These curves are used to perform benefit-cost and life-cycle analysis and evaluate the effectiveness of the retrofitting programme