TECHNICAL SEMINAR REPORT

ON

SEISMICRETROFITTINGTECHNIQUES
In Partial Fulfillment of the
Academic requirements for the award of

Bachelor of Technology in
Civil Engineering
Submitted
By

D.CHANDANA VARMA (10J41A0168 )

MALLA REDDY ENGINEERING COLLGE

(Afillated to JNTU, Hyderabad)
Maisammaguda, Dhulapally ( Post Via Kompally) Secunderabad ,500100

SEISMIC RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES

Abstract
Many existing structures located in seismic regions are inadequate based on the
current seismic design codes. In addition, a number of major earthquakes during recent
years have underscored the importance of mitigation to reduce seismic risk.
Seismic retrofitting of existing structures is one of the most effective methods of reducing this
risk. In recent years, a significant amount of research has been devoted to the study of various
strengthening techniques to enhance the seismic performance of RC structures.
However, the seismic performance of the structure may not be improved by retrofitting or
rehabilitation unless the engineer selects an appropriate intervention technique based on
seismic evaluation of the structure. Therefore, the basic requirements of rehabilitation
and investigations of various retrofit techniques should be considered before selecting
retrofit schemes.
The purpose of this report is to present the various seismic retrofitting characteristics and
technical aspects of the major intervention methods for reinforced concrete (RC) building
structures.

1. INTRODUCTION
Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant
to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes. With better understanding
of seismic demand on structures and with our recent experiences with large earthquakes near
urban centers, the need of seismic retrofitting is well acknowledged.

The aftermath of an earthquake manifests great devastation due to unpredicted or slight. This
damage to structures in its turn causes irreparable loss of life with a striking extensive damage to
innumerable buildings of varying degree i.e. either full or part of casualties. As a result
frightened occupants may refuse to enter the building unless assured of the safety of the building
from future earthquakes. It has been observed that majority of such earthquake damaged
buildings may be safely reused, if they are converted into seismic resistant structures by
employing a few retrofitting measures. This proves to be a better option catering to the economic
considerations and immediate shelter problems rather than replacement of buildings. Moreover it
has often been seen that retrofitting of buildings is generally more economical as compared to
demolition and reconstruction even in the case of severe structural damage. Therefore, seismic
retrofitting of building structures is one of the most important aspects for mitigating seismic
hazards especially in earthquake-prone countries. Various terms are associated to retrofitting with
a marginal difference like repair, strengthening, retrofitting, remoulding, rehabilitation,
reconstruction etc. but there is no consensus on them.
The need of seismic retrofitting of buildings arises under two circumstances: (i) earthquake
damaged buildings and (ii) earthquake-vulnerable buildings that have not yet experienced severe
earthquakes. The problems faced by a structural engineer in retrofitting earthquake damage
buildings are: (a) lack of standards for methods of retrofitting; (b) effectiveness of retrofitting
techniques since there is a considerable dearth of experience and data on retrofitted structures:
(c) absence of consensus on appropriate methods for the wide range of parameters like type of
structures, condition of materials, type of damage, amount of damage, location of dam4e,
significance of damage, condition under which a damaged element can be retrofitted etc.
Buildings have been designed according to a seismic code, but the codes have been upgraded in
the later years. Essential buildings must be strengthened like hospitals, historical monuments and
architectural buildings. Buildings that are expanded, renovated or rebuilt.
The retrofit techniques outlined here are also applicable for other natural hazards such as tropical
cyclones, tornadoes, and severe winds from thunderstorms. Whilst current practice of seismic
retrofitting is predominantly concerned with structural improvements to reduce the seismic
hazard of using the structures, it is similarly essential to reduce the hazards and losses from nonstructural elements. It is also important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as an

earthquake-proof structure, although seismic performance can be greatly enhanced through

proper initial design or subsequent modifications.
A large number of existing buildings in India are severely deficient against earthquake forces and
the number of such buildings is growing very rapidly. This has been highlighted in the past
earthquake. Retrofitting of any existing building is a complex task and requires skill, retrofitting
of RC buildings is particularly challenging due to complex behavior of the RC composite
material.
The behavior of the buildings during earthquake depends not only on the size of the members
and amount of reinforcement, but to a great extent on the placing and detailing of the
reinforcement. The construction practices in India result in severe construction defects, which
make the task of retrofitting even more difficult.
There are three sources of deficiencies in a building, which have to be accounted for by the
retrofitting engineer: (i) inadequate design and detailing, (ii) degradation of material with time
and use, and (iii) damage due to earthquake or other catastrophe.
The retrofit engineer is expected to estimate the deficiency resulting from all the three sources,
suggest a retrofit scheme to make up for the deficiencies and demonstrate that the retrofitted
structure will be able to safety resist the future earthquake forces expected during the lifetime of
the structure. This paper presents a brief review of the available methods and techniques for
retrofitting of RC building.

2. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

In the past, seismic retrofit was primarily applied to achieve public safety, with engineering
solutions limited by economic and political considerations. However, with the development of
Performance based earthquake engineering (PBEE), several levels of performance objectives are
gradually recognised:

Public safety only. The goal is to protect human life, ensuring that the structure will not
collapse upon its occupants or passersby, and that the structure can be safely exited. Under
severe seismic conditions the structure may be a total economic write-off, requiring teardown and replacement.

Structure survivability. The goal is that the structure, while remaining safe for exit, may
require extensive repair (but not replacement) before it is generally useful or considered safe
for occupation. This is typically the lowest level of retrofit applied to bridges.

Structure functionality. Primary structure undamaged and the structure is undiminished in

utility for its primary application. A high level of retrofit, this ensures that any required

repairs are only "cosmetic" - for example, minor cracks in plaster, drywall and stucco. This is
the minimum acceptable level of retrofit for hospitals.

Structure unaffected. This level of retrofit is preferred for historic structures of high
cultural significance.

3. EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE AND HERITAGE STRUCTURES

Typical earthquake damage to most older and historic buildings results from poor ductility--or
flexibility--of the building and, specifically, poor structural connections between walls, floors,
and foundations combined with the very heavy weight and mass of historic materials that are
moved by seismic forces and must be resisted.
In buildings that have not been seismically upgraded, particularly unreinforced masonry
buildings, parapets, chimneys, and gable ends may dislodge and fall to the ground during a
moderate to severe earthquake. Walls, floors, roofs, skylights, porches, and stairs which rely on
tied connections may simply fail. Interior structural supports may partially or totally collapse.
Unreinforced masonry walls between openings often exhibit shear (or diagonal) cracking.

Upper stories may collapse onto under-reinforced lower floors with large perimeter openings or
atriums. Unbraced infill material between structural or rigid frame supports may dislodge.
Adjacent buildings with separate foundations may move differently in an earthquake creating
damage between them. Poorly anchored wood frame buildings tend to slide off their foundations.
Factors influencing damage in an earthquake

4. CONDITION OF EXISTING BUILDING

Much of the damage that occurs during an earthquake is directly related to the building's
existing condition and maintenance history. Well-maintained buildings, even without added
reinforcement, survive better than buildings weakened by lack of maintenance. The capacity of
the structural system to resist earthquakes may be severely reduced if previous alterations or
earthquakes have weakened structural connections or if materials have deteriorated from
moisture, termite, or other damage. Furthermore, in unreinforced historic masonry buildings,
deteriorated mortar joints can weaken entire walls. Maintenance, which reduces moisture
penetration and erosion of materials, is therefore essential. Since damage can be cumulative,
it is important to analyze the structural capacity of the building.
Over time, structural members can become loose and pose a major liability. Unreinforced
historic masonry buildings typically have a friction-fit connection between horizontal and
vertical structural members, and the shaking caused by an earthquake pulls them apart. With
insufficient bearing surface for beams, joists, and rafters against the load bearing walls or
support columns, they fail. The resulting structural inadequacy may cause a partial or
complete building collapse, depending on the severity of the earthquake and the internal wall
configuration. Tying the building together by making a positive anchored or braced
connection between walls, columns, and framing members, is key to the seismic retrofit of
historic buildings.

5. SEISMIC RETROFITTING AND BUILDING CONSERVATION

Heritage structures can be divided mainly from earthquake point of view in to two main
categories:
1. Undamaged or before earthquake heritage structures: The retrofitting needed for
these of structures is mainly to increase their seismic strength through reinforcement
of structural members. This type of approach is known as conservation approach.
2. Damaged or after earthquake heritage structures: For earthquake damaged heritage
structure retrofitting techniques are adopted to restore and rehabilitate the damaged
structure. This is done by strengthening walls, columns, and overall fabric of the
structure without damaging the character of the building. In case of partial or full
collapse of the portion of the building it is reconstructed by use of as much historic
material is available as possible and after proper documentation old structure from
available records.

6. RETROFITTING STRATEGIES FOR RC BUILDINGS

The need for retrofitting or strengthening of earthquake-damaged or earthquake-vulnerable
buildings in India have been tremendously increased during recent years after the devastating
Bhuj earthquake with an alarming awakening for sufficient preparedness in anticipation to face
future earthquakes. Many professional engineers are accustomed to the designing of new
buildings but they may find themselves not fully equipped to face the challenges posed at the
time of strengthening the existing buildings with a view to improve their seismic performance.
This section presents the most common devices for retrofitting of reinforced concrete buildings
with technical details, constructional details and limitations.

7. METHODS FOR SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF STRUCTURES

Retrofitting of existing structures with insufficient seismic resistance accounts for a
major portion of the total cost of hazard mitigation. Thus, it is of critical importance that
the structures that need seismic retrofitting are identified correctly, and an optimal
retrofitting is conducted in a cost effective fashion. Once the decision is made, seismic
retrofitting can be performed through several methods with various objectives such as
increasing the load, deformation, and/or energy dissipation capacity of the structure
(FEMA, 2000). Conventional as well as emerging retrofit methods are briefly presented
in the following subsections.

7.1CLASSIFICATION OF RETROFITTING TECHNIQUES

There are two ways to enhance the seismic capacity of existing structures.. The second is a
member level approach of retrofitting or local retrofitting which deal, with an increase of the
ductility of components with adequate capacities to satisfy their specific iirnit states. Based On
the above concept the available techniques of retrofitting of reinforced concrete buildings may be
classified as:

Retrofitting Techniques

Global

Local

Adding new shear wall

Adding steel
bracing

Jacketing of
beams
Jacketing of
columns

Wall thickening

Base isolation

Generally structural level retrofittings are applied to the entire structural lateral lo4 resisting
system is deemed to be deficient. Common approaches in this regard are employed increase
stiffness and strength with limited Achieving desired ratio between to additional stiffening and
strengthening is the art of seismic retrofitting. The most common modifications include the

addition of structural loads, steel braces, infill walls, base isolate or supplemental energy
dissipation devices.
The addition of new reinforced concrete shear wall is the most oftenly practised device
which has proved to be effective for controlling global lateral drifts and for reducing damage in
frame members. Steel braces are used to make the existing buildings stiffen. Concentric eccentric
bracing schemes may be used, in the selected bays of an RC frame contributing increase the
lateral resistance of the structure infill wall MAW be employed for strengthen of reinforced
concrete buildings. which has ,teen effective in the case of one to three so buildings that may be
extended up to five stories. The lateral strength of existing columns be increased by adding wing
walls {buttresses similar to infilling. These technique are not so popular because it may require a
vacant site around the building and enough resistance from piles or foundation of the buttress
CEB. 1997). At some occasions it might be easy to achieve the retrofitting objectives by means
of global mass reduction. Mass reduction can be accomplished by removal of upper stories heavy
cladding, partitions and stored good. The concept of seismic base isolation is based on
decoupling of structure by introducing low horizontal stiffness bearing between the structure and
the foundation. This is found to be efficient for seismic resistance and intervention is required
only at foundation level. The supplemental devices such as addition of viscous damper, viscoelastic damper, frictional damper in diagonals of bays of frame substantially reduces the
earthquake response by dissipation of energy.

Local retrofittings arc typically used either when the retrofit objectives are limited or treatment
of the vulnerable components is needed. The most popular and frequently used
method in local retrofitting is jacketing or confinement by the jackets of reinforced concrete,
method reinforced polymer (MP), carbon fibre etc. Jacketing around the existing members
increases lateral load capacity of the structure in a uniformly distributed way with a minimal
increase in loading on any single foundation and with no alternative in the basic geometry of
increase the building.

7.2 STRUCTURAL LEVEL (OR GLOBAL) RETROFIT METHODS

Two approaches are used for structure-level retrofitting: ti) conventional methods based on
increasing the seismic resistance of existing structure, and (ii) non-conventional methods based
on reduction of seismic demands.
Conventional methods

Conventional methods of retrofitting are used to enhance the seismic resistance of existing
structures by eliminating or reducing the adverse effects of design or construction. The methods
Include adding of shear wall, infill walls and steel braces.

7.3 ADDING NEW SHEAR WALLS

One of the most common methods to increase the lateral strength of the reinforced concrete is to
make a provision for additional shear walls. The technique of
infilling/adding new shear walls is often taken as the best and simple solution for improving
seismic performance. Therefore, it is frequently used for retrofitting of non-ductile reinforced
concrete frame buildings. The added elements can be either cast-in-place or pre-cast concrete
elements. New elements preferably be placed at the exterior of the building, however it may
cause alteration in the appearance and window layouts. Placing of shear walk in the interior of
the structure is not preferred in order to avoid interior mouldings,

Technical considerations:
The addition of new shear walls to existing frame has many technical considerations which may
be summarized as (a) determining the adequacy of existing floor and roof slabs to carry the
seismic forces; (b) transfer of diaphragm shear into the new shear walk with dowels; (c) adding
new collector and drag members to the diaphragm; (d) increase in the weight and concentration
of shear by the addition of wall which may affect the foundations.
Constructional considerations:

The first consideration during construction is to find locatir7, where walls can be added and well
located which may align to the full height of the building to minimize torsion (Wylie, 1996). It is
often desirable to locate walls adjacent to the bear between columns so that only minimum slab
demolition is required with connections male to beam at the sides of columns. The design of the
shear wall may be similar to new construction. The longitudinal reinforcement must be placed at
the ends of the wall running continuously through the entire height. In order to realize this end,
the reinforcement has to pass through holes in slabs and around the beams to avoid interference.
To achieve both conditions, boundary elements can be used. Although it would also be
convenient to have continuous shear reinforcement but in its absence, the walls must be
adequately connected to the beams, slabs and columns ensuring proper shear transfer through
shear connectors. Wall thickness also varies from 15 to 25 cm (6 to 10 inch) and is normally
placed externally. This retrofitting system is only adequate for concrete structures, which bring
forth a big increase in the lateral capacity and stiffness. A reasonable structural ductility may be
achieved if the wall is properly designed with a good detailing. The connection to the existing
structure has to be carefully designed guarantee shear transfer.

Limitations:
The main limitations of this method are: (i) increase in lateral resistance but it is concentrated at
a few places, (ii) increased overturning moment at foundation causes very high uplifting that
needs either new foundations or strengthening of the existing foundations, (iii) increased dead
load of the structure, (iv) excessive destruction at each floor level result in functional disability
of the buildings, (v) possibilities of adequate attachment between the new walls and the existing

structure, (vi) closing of formerly open spaces can have major impact on the interior of the
building or exterior appearance.

7.4 ADDING STEEL BRACINGS

Another method of strengthening is the use of steel bracing, which also has similar advantages.
The structural details of connection between bracing and column are shown I the fig. The
installation of steel bracing members can be an effective solution when large openings are
required. This scheme of the use of steel bracing has a potential advantage over other schemes
following reasons:

higher strength and stiffness can be proved

opening for natural light can be made easily,
amount of work is less since foundation cost may be minimized,
the bracing system adds much less weight to the existing structure,
most of the retrofitting work can be performed with prefabricated elements and disturbance to
the occupants may be minimized.

Technical considerations:
The steel bracing system can be used for steel structures as well as concrete structures: several
researchers have reported successful results while using steel bracing to upgrade the strength and
stiffness of reinforced concrete structures. It has performed well linear behaviour even up to
twice the design code force. The effective slenderness ratio should be kept relatively low so that
braces are effective in compression as well as tension, suggested l/r ratio are 80 to 60 or even
lower. Collector's members are recommended for transferring forces between the frame and
bracing system. Careful consideration of of strengthening elements to the existing structures and
to the foundations have to be consciously designed to ensure proper shear transfer. Column shear
failure is not specifically prevented; therefore close attention must be given to limit drifts of the
strengthened frame. Local reinforcement to the columns may be needed to bear the increased
load generated on them.

7.5

BASE ISOLATION
Base isolation, also known as seismic base isolation or base isolation system, is one of the most
popular means of protecting a structure against earthquake forces. It is a collection of structural
elements which should substantially decouple a superstructure from its substructure resting on a
shaking ground thus protecting a building or non-building structure's integrity.
Base isolation is one of the most powerful tools of earthquake engineering pertaining to the
passive structural vibration control technologies. It is meant to enable a building or non-building
structure to survive a potentially devastating seismic impact through a proper initial design or

subsequent modifications. In some cases, application of base isolation can raise both a
structure's seismic performance and its seismic sustainability considerably. Contrary to popular
belief base isolation does not make a building earthquake proof.
Base isolation system consists of isolation units with or without isolation components, where:
1.

Isolation units are the basic elements of a base isolation system which are intended to
provide the aforementioned decoupling effect to a building or non-building structure.

2.

Isolation components are the connections between isolation units and their parts having
no decoupling effect of their own.
Significantly Increase the Period of the Structure and the Damping so that the Response is
Significantly Reduced

Base Isolation in Buildings

Isolator Components between the Foundation and Superstructure

Fig: An Isolation Interface is formed

How exactly does Base Isolation Work?

Most types of Isolators exhibit nonlinear behavior

Lengthening of the Structures Period and increased damping that result in a large scale decrease
of the Seismic Response.
Force Displacement Relationship at the Isolation Interface

Response of Base Isolated Buildings versus Fixed Base Response

7.6 JACKETING
Jacketing is the process whereby a section of an existing structural member is restored to original
dimensions or increased in size by encasement using suitable materials. A steel reinforcement
cage or composite material wrap can be constructed around the damaged section onto
which shotcrete or cast-in- place concrete is placed.

Jacketing is particularly used for the repair of deteriorated columns, piers, and piles and may
easily be employed in underwater applications. The method is applicable forprotecting concrete,
steel, and timber sections against further deterioration and for strengthening. Permanent forms
are preferred where protection against weathering, abrasion, and chemical pollution is desired.
Before applying jackets, all deteriorated concrete must be removed, cracks must be repaired,
existing reinforcement must be cleaned, and surfaces must be prepared. The surface preparation
improves the bond of the newly placed materials with the existing structure, which is difficult for
underwater repairs. For underwater conditions, a plastic shell may be applied at the splash zone
to help minimize abrasion. A drawback of jackets is that they occupy space that was earlier
available for other uses.

Jacketing of colums

jacketing of beams

8. CONCLUSION

Seismic Retrofitting is a suitable technology for protection of a variety of structures.

It has matured in the recent years to a highly reliable technology.

But, the expertise needed is not available in the basic level.

The main challenge is to achieve a desired performance level at a minimum cost, which can
be achieved through a detailed nonlinear analysis.

Optimization techniques are needed to know the most efficient retrofit for a particular
structure.

Proper Design Codes are needed to be published as code of practice for professionals related
to this field.

9. REFERENCES:
1. http://theconstructor.org/earthquake/earthquakes-effects-reinforcedconcrete-buildings/3790/
2. http://theconstructor.org/concrete/retrofitting-of-rcc-structuralmembers/7363/
3. http://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/base-isolation-method/498/
4. http://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/10_vol11_6639.pdf
5. http://www.ncree.org.tw/itp2002/09_FundamentalsOfSeismicBaseIsolation.p
df
6. http://oonegroup.com/html/images/Articles/Seismic%20Retrofit.pdf
7. http://cpwd.gov.in/Units/FinalDraftHandbook_Apr2007.pdf
8. http://web.mit.edu/istgroup/ist/documents/earthquake/Part5.pdf