A model for pushover analysis of confined masonry structures : implementation and validation

Confined masonry (CM) is a typical building technique in Latin American countries. This technique, due to its simplicity of construction and similarity with traditional practices of reinforced concrete building, presents a potential of use in European regions with moderate-to-high seismicity. However, most of the procedures for seismic design in codes for Latin America are force-based, which appears to be inadequate due to the high dissipative response observed for CM. This paper presents a simplified numerical-analytical approach to model CM structures using pushover analysis, aiming to apply performance-based design procedures. First, a data mining process is performed on a database of experimental results collected from lateral tests on CM walls to adjust prediction models for the wall shear strength and to determine the input relevance through a sensitivity analysis. Then, an analytical model of CM structures for pushover analysis is proposed with basis on a wide-column approach that employs an adaptive shear load-displacement constitutive relation. The proposed method is compared with a discrete element model that represents explicitly the confinements-masonry interaction, against the experimental results obtained in a quasi-static test of a full-scale tridimensional CM structure. The accuracy of the predictions from both methods is very satisfactory, allowing to capture the base shear-displacement envelope and also the damage patterns of the structure, thus, demonstrating the ability of the methods to be used in performance-based seismic assessment and design of CM buildings.The first author acknowledges the financial support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the Ph.D. Grant SFRH/BD/41221/2007

Seismic retrofitting of RC frame buildings by adding new RC shear walls

The majority of older existing RC buildings in regions of moderate and high seismicity are vulnerable to earthquake effects. They often do not meet current seismic codes requirements which are more stringent compared to the older codes. Addition of new RC shear walls is an effective retrofit strategy for the reduction of seismic demands on the existing members, especially in case of RC frame structures. The paper presents a case study of an existing school building located in high seismic hazard zone in Central Asia. The building is a bare RC frame structure, designed and constructed in 1960s. The seismic assessment via linear elastic and pushover analysis showed that the structure is deficient for code-prescribed earthquake intensity. A feasible retrofit scheme in the form of new RC shear walls has been developed and its effectivness was verified via linear elastic and pushover analysis

International guideline for seismic design of low-rise confined masonry buildings in regions of high seismic risk

International audienc

A Challenge to Earthquake Engineering Professionals

Recent earthquakes have caused unacceptably high death tolls. We, the editors of theWorld Housing Encyclopedia, believe that reducing such an un- acceptably high loss of life from earthquakes is the most important challenge facing the global earthquake engineering community. This paper acknowl- edges the continuing disparity between life loss from earthquakes in devel- oping and developed countries, and the increasing vulnerability in developing countries. A sampling of current efforts to improve construction practices in- cludes the publication of earthquake tips in India, construction manuals in Colombia, and the formation of various international networks to promote collaboration and information sharing. Future possibilities include more re- wards for research into inadequately engineered construction, greater empha- sis on small-scale, local efforts, and a stronger emphasis on advocacy.We be- lieve that all of us, as earthquake professionals, have a responsibility to make the built environment safer worldwide

The web-based World Housing Encyclopedia: Housing Constrction in high seismic risk areas of the world

Recent devastating losses in earthquakes to housing around the world highlight the need to share information on building construction practices and strengthening technologies. The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute and the International Association for Earthquake Engineering have an ongoing Internet-based project called World Housing Encyclopedia (WHE) that provides a framework for sharing such information globally (www.world-housing.net). The purpose of the WHE is to develop a comprehensive global categorization of characteristic housing construction types presented using a standardized format. The encyclopedia provides basic information on the seismic vulnerability and strengths of various structural systems and materials, useful to local, national and international public and private organizations and individuals concerned with improving the seismic resistance of a region’s housing stock. Initially inaugurated at the 2000 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering in Auckland, New Zealand, this web-based project is now in its fourth year. This paper describes the scope of the encyclopedia and provides the examples of its application