Seismic retrofit
Seismic retrofitting is the modification of buildings that already exist to make them resistant to earthquakes.[1] Seismic retrofitting techniques can be applied to other kinds of natural disasters such as tornadoes and strong winds from thunderstorms.
Seismic retrofit performance objectives
Main levels of retrofitted building structure performance [2] objectives may vary, namely:
- To protect human lives.
- To protect a structure from total failure.
- To preserve a structure's functionality after a strong earthquake.
- To make a structure, practically, unaffected by any earthquake.
Seismic Retrofit Media
Infill shear trusses — University of California dormitory, Berkeley
Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City
One of many "earthquake bolts" found throughout period houses in the city of Charleston subsequent to the Charleston earthquake of 1886. They could be tightened and loosened to support the house without having to otherwise demolish the house due to instability. The bolts were directly loosely connected to the supporting frame of the house.
Partial failure due to inadequate shear structure at garage level. Damage in San Francisco due to the Loma Prieta event.
References
- ↑ "Earthquake-Resistant Construction". Archived from the original on 2012-09-15. Retrieved 2010-03-26.
- ↑ Earthquake Performance Evaluation Tool Online (EPETO)[dead link]