Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 37474

Special Issue Editors

Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: earthquake engineering; environmental damage of RC bridges; fatigue damage of aluminum truss structures; seismic assessment of existing and historical structures; seismic retrofit with passive control techniques, including base isolation; friction and viscoelastic dissipation; strengthening of RC and masonry structures with advanced materials and techniques; sustainable retrofit techniques; ductility reduction factor assessment for RC frame-wall structures; risk analysis and risk mitigation at urban scale
Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
Interests: structure assessment; modelling and analysis of RC structures; bridge health monitoring; seismic protection of structure; sensor-based monitoring; assessment and preservation of cultural heritage
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Structural safety upgrade has become an urgent global need due to both widespread construction obsolescence and more stringent construction code requirements, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Increasing economic resources are employed for structural rehabilitation of existing structures, urging reaserchers in the academic world towards the development and investigation of advanced retrofitting and strengthening techniques that are efficient and affordable.

The objective of this Special Issue is to collect innovative research studies on advanced methods for structural rehabilitation of buildings. Innovative experimental, analytical, and numerical studies, new design methods and case studies, applications to real cases, state-of-the-art reports, and other original research findings are invited. For this Special Issue, we are particularly interested in inviting papers focusing on: (i) strengthening with FRP-based techinques of RC members, (ii) strengthening with FRM, TRM and FRCM of masonry walls, (iii) new strengthening materials and techniques, (iv) seismic protection devices, (v) protection of non-structural elements, (vi) cost–benefit analysis, (vii) conceptual design, and (viii) new developments in code making.

Prof. Dr. Alessandra Aprile
Prof. Dr. Giorgio Monti
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Structural rehabilitation
  • Structural strengthening
  • Structural retrofit
  • Existing buildings
  • FRP
  • FRCM
  • TRM
  • FRM
  • Base isolation
  • Energy dissipation
  • Codes

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 174 KiB  
Editorial
Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation
by Alessandra Aprile and Giorgio Monti
Buildings 2022, 12(1), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings12010079 - 14 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2096
Abstract
Structural rehabilitation has globally become an urgent need due to both widespread construction obsolescence and more demanding requirements from modern construction codes, especially in earthquake-prone areas, where upgrading the existing constructions has become a primary goal [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

20 pages, 4643 KiB  
Article
Mechanical-Analytical Soil-Dependent Fragility Curves of Existing RC Frames with Column-Driven Failures
by Raihan Rahmat Rabi, Vincenzo Bianco and Giorgio Monti
Buildings 2021, 11(7), 278; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11070278 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2593
Abstract
In seismic risk estimation, among the different types of fragility curves used (judgement-based, mechanical, empirical/observational, hybrid), the mechanical ones have the twofold advantage of allowing a better control over the basic parameters and of representing a validation test of the consistency of empirical/observational [...] Read more.
In seismic risk estimation, among the different types of fragility curves used (judgement-based, mechanical, empirical/observational, hybrid), the mechanical ones have the twofold advantage of allowing a better control over the basic parameters and of representing a validation test of the consistency of empirical/observational ones. In this study, fragility curves of RC frames with column-driven failures are obtained from a simplified analytical pushover method implemented in a simple spreadsheet, thus allowing the user to perform a large number of analyses. More importantly, the proposed method introduces the concept that Limit States at the structural level are obtained consequent to the attainment of the same Limit States at the local level, in the columns’ sections. This avoids using additional criteria, such as interstorey drift thresholds. This simple analytical model allows for rapid development of fragility curves, for any Limit State, of different building typologies identified by a set of global quantities (number of storeys, story heights, number of spans and span lengths) and by a set of local quantities (element sizes, reinforcement, and material properties). It also allows for a straightforward treatment of the influence of the soil class on the fragility curves parameters, which is another critical issue addressed in this work that helps when interpreting some literature results using empirical/observational methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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19 pages, 12757 KiB  
Article
Effects of Infills in the Seismic Performance of an RC Factory Building in Pakistan
by Nisar Ali Khan, Giorgio Monti, Camillo Nuti and Marco Vailati
Buildings 2021, 11(7), 276; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11070276 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3319 | Correction
Abstract
Infilled reinforced concrete (IRC) frames are a very common construction typology, not only in developing countries such as Pakistan but also in southern Europe and Western countries, due to their ease of construction and less technical skills required for the construction. Their performance [...] Read more.
Infilled reinforced concrete (IRC) frames are a very common construction typology, not only in developing countries such as Pakistan but also in southern Europe and Western countries, due to their ease of construction and less technical skills required for the construction. Their performance during past earthquakes has been in some cases satisfactory and in other cases inadequate. Significant effort has been made among researchers to improve such performance, but few have highlighted the influence of construction materials used in the infill walls. In some building codes, infills are still considered as non-structural elements, both in the design of new buildings and, sometimes, in the assessment of existing buildings. This is mainly due to some difficulties in modeling their mechanical behavior and also the large variety of typologies, which are difficult to categorize. Some building codes, for example, Eurocode, already address the influence of infill walls in design, but there is still a lack of homogeneity among different codes. For example, the Pakistan building code (PBC) does not address infills, despite being a common construction technique in the country. Past earthquake survey records show that construction materials and infill types significantly affect the seismic response of buildings, thus highlighting the importance of investigating such parameters. This is the object of this work, where a numerical model for infill walls is introduced, which aims at predicting their failure mode, as a function of some essential parameters, such as the friction coefficient between mortar and brick surface and mortar strength, usually disregarded in previous models. A comprehensive case study is presented of a three-story IRC frame located in the city of Mirpur, Pakistan, hit by an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 on 24 September 2019. The results obtained from the numerical model show good agreement with the damage patterns observed in situ, thus highlighting the importance of correctly modeling the infill walls when seismically designing or assessing Pakistani buildings that make use of this technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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29 pages, 10882 KiB  
Article
FRP Cables to Prestress RC Beams: State of the Art vs. a Split Wedge Anchorage System
by Marco Damiani, Attilio Quadrino and Nicola Nisticò
Buildings 2021, 11(5), 209; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11050209 - 17 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2966
Abstract
Versatility and high performance in terms of specific stiffness and strength, as well as non-corrosive sensitivity, make FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) cables a viable alternative to steel ones in the development of prestressing systems. On the other hand, the orthotropic and brittle nature of [...] Read more.
Versatility and high performance in terms of specific stiffness and strength, as well as non-corrosive sensitivity, make FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer) cables a viable alternative to steel ones in the development of prestressing systems. On the other hand, the orthotropic and brittle nature of FRPs could trigger a premature failure of the cable in the anchorage system, for which several solutions have been proposed so far in civil structural applications. In this context, after a preliminary state of the art, the work introduces a split wedge anchorage for FRP (ϕ = 12 mm) cables proposing two different solutions for steel wedges having the external surface: either (1) a constant (3 degrees) slope or (2) a double slope obtained by shaping it with an angle of 3.0 degrees before and then of 3.1 degrees along the most tapered part. The goal was to exploit the nominal cable capacity (257 kN), avoiding stress peaks that cause its premature failure. The proposed solutions have been experimentally tested and, as far as the double angle solution is concerned, the failure loads were equal to 222 and 257 kN, denoting that the proposed solution can reach the cable capacity. Clearly, further investigations are needed to check the variability of the results and eventually improve the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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19 pages, 11220 KiB  
Article
A Conceptual Design Approach for Archaeological Structures, a Challenging Issue between Innovation and Conservation: A Studied Case in Ancient Pompeii
by Vincenzo Calvanese and Alessandra Zambrano
Buildings 2021, 11(4), 167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11040167 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2568
Abstract
The preservation of the authenticity of a building artifact in an archaeological area is a responsible practice. On the other hand, the need to save the building artifact from natural and anthropic degradation and ensuring the structural reliability as well as an efficient [...] Read more.
The preservation of the authenticity of a building artifact in an archaeological area is a responsible practice. On the other hand, the need to save the building artifact from natural and anthropic degradation and ensuring the structural reliability as well as an efficient maintenance program are big challenges. These tasks usually involve the cooperation of several professionals and the responsible use of innovative techniques and materials. This paper focused on a specific design approach for the rehabilitation works of ancient constructions at archaeological sites. The proposed approach implies different steps that allow for design optimization at an increasing knowledge level of the existing structures. In the archaeological area, some crucial design aspects cannot be defined before the execution work phase, since some elements can only be revealed and identified during work execution. As a consequence, the final design has often been optimized after all the information has been acquired. A studied case at the archaeological site of Pompeii is herein presented to prove the efficiency of the proposed approach. This methodology reduces the uncertainty related due to the ancient material performance, to the level of damage and to the effectiveness of the rehabilitation work, unknown at the design stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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29 pages, 15474 KiB  
Article
Integrated Solution-Base Isolation and Repositioning-for the Seismic Rehabilitation of a Preserved Strategic Building
by Marco Vailati, Giorgio Monti and Vincenzo Bianco
Buildings 2021, 11(4), 164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11040164 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2824
Abstract
This paper deals with the design of the seismic rehabilitation of a case-study building located in Florence, Italy. The particular reinforced concrete building hosts an important operational center of the main company that manages the Italian highway network. It is composed of the [...] Read more.
This paper deals with the design of the seismic rehabilitation of a case-study building located in Florence, Italy. The particular reinforced concrete building hosts an important operational center of the main company that manages the Italian highway network. It is composed of the juxtaposition of three reinforced concrete edifices standing out from a common basement. The design of the interventions for the seismic rehabilitation of this case study posed different challenges, some even in contrast with each other. The main design challenge was to reach the seismic retrofitting, due to the strategic role of the activities hosted herein, safeguarding as much as possible the peculiarity of the architectural elements. Moreover, the design was made harder by the presence of existing thermal joints between adjacent edifices which were inadequate to prevent the latter from pounding upon each other during an earthquake. This outcome yielded the need to intervene by enlarging the gap between the adjacent buildings. This latter intervention was in stark contrast with the explicit request of the client to bring the least possible disturbance to the strategic activities carried out within it; in fact, the joints are crossed by optical fibers and other technological systems which can be damaged easily. The need to fulfill all these design constraints brought the development of an original design strategy based on the employment of base-isolation in a rather unusual configuration. The details of the design procedure, along with the innovative aspects and the designed devices, are presented. With the objective to refine the adopted strategy in view of its possible repeatability by colleague engineers, the paper also presents a fair discussion of every aspect with regards to both the design and the realization phases. Possible ideas for new research and developments are also highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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16 pages, 21745 KiB  
Article
Seismic Retrofitting Resilience-Based for Strategic RC Buildings
by Marco Vona, Amedeo Flora, Emiliano Carlucci and Enrico Foscolo
Buildings 2021, 11(3), 111; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11030111 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3366
Abstract
The resilience of communities is given by the ideal convolution of the resilience of all their single parts. Strategic buildings require high levels of performance during and after a seismic sequence. Consequently, the seismic retrofitting of old strategic buildings is a central issue [...] Read more.
The resilience of communities is given by the ideal convolution of the resilience of all their single parts. Strategic buildings require high levels of performance during and after a seismic sequence. Consequently, the seismic retrofitting of old strategic buildings is a central issue in prevention and mitigation strategies. The core of the study is a resilience approach to the seismic retrofitting of existing strategic buildings. Different performance levels are considered and four different retrofitting techniques are compared according to their fragility, and their post-earthquake cost and time recovery analyses. Lastly, the retrofitting techniques are compared based on the considered resilience index, which in turn is related to the estimated reduction of the seismic losses owing to the different retrofitting techniques, but especially to the effectiveness of the intervention based on the relevant cost and recovery times. In other words, these aspects take into account the key role of a building’s characteristics, and its public and strategic role during and after an earthquake. The intervention is selected not only (as is currently done) to reduce its construction times and costs, but to limit the service interruption after earthquakes. The results of this study could be operatively used as support tools in the seismic retrofitting of strategic buildings, either individually or on a large territorial scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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29 pages, 5614 KiB  
Article
Advanced Multi-Body Modelling of DCCSS Isolators: Geometrical Compatibility and Kinematics
by Vincenzo Bianco, Giorgio Monti and Nicola Pio Belfiore
Buildings 2021, 11(2), 50; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11020050 - 03 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
The effectiveness of Double Concave Curved Surface Sliders (DCCSS), which initially spread under the name of Double Friction Pendulum (DFP) isolators, was already widely proven by numerous experimental campaigns carried out worldwide. However, many aspects concerning their dynamical behavior still need to be [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of Double Concave Curved Surface Sliders (DCCSS), which initially spread under the name of Double Friction Pendulum (DFP) isolators, was already widely proven by numerous experimental campaigns carried out worldwide. However, many aspects concerning their dynamical behavior still need to be clarified and some details still require improvement and optimization. In particular, due to the boundary geometrical conditions, sliding along the coupled surfaces may not be compliant, where this adjective is adopted to indicate an even distribution of stresses and sliding contact. On the contrary, during an earthquake, the fulfillment of geometrical compatibility between the constitutive bodies naturally gives rise to a very peculiar dynamic behavior, composed of continuous alternation of sticking and slipping phases. Such behavior yields a temporary and cyclic change of topology. Since the constitutive elements can be modelled as rigid bodies, both approaches, namely Compliant Sliding and Stick-Slip, can be numerically modelled by means of techniques typically adopted for multi-body mechanical systems. With the objective of contributing to the understanding and further improvement of this technology, a topology-changing multi-body mechanical model was developed to simulate the DCCSS. In the present work, attention is focused on details regarding geometrical compatibility and kinematics, while the complete dynamics is presented in another work. In particular, for the sake of comparison, the kinematic equations are presented and applied not only for the proposed Stick-Slip approach, but also for the currently accepted Compliant Sliding approach. The main findings are presented and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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25 pages, 10241 KiB  
Article
Seismic Upgrading of a Historical Masonry Bell Tower through an Internal Dissipative Steel Structure
by Arianna Pavia, Fabrizio Scozzese, Enrica Petrucci and Alessandro Zona
Buildings 2021, 11(1), 24; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings11010024 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3184
Abstract
Masonry towers are part of a valuable architectural heritage characterizing the landscape of many historical areas. These towers are vulnerable structures that are prone to earthquake damage. Hence, the design of effective seismic upgrading interventions is an important task for preserving such architectural [...] Read more.
Masonry towers are part of a valuable architectural heritage characterizing the landscape of many historical areas. These towers are vulnerable structures that are prone to earthquake damage. Hence, the design of effective seismic upgrading interventions is an important task for preserving such architectural forms for future generations. In view of that, the objective of this study is to contribute a possible addition to the portfolio of available approaches for seismic upgrading of masonry towers. This goal was pursued by exploring an innovative structural solution that does not alter the external appearance of the tower and its static scheme under gravity loads, yet is able to increase its capacity to withstand seismic actions through added damping. Specifically, the proposed solution consists of a steel structure internal to the masonry tower that incorporates fluid viscous dampers. In order to evaluate its potentialities, a real case study was taken as a testbed structure, historic analysis as well as geometric and architectural surveys were undertaken, an initial design for the upgrading was made, and numerical simulations were performed. The obtained results, although preliminary, highlight the potentialities of the proposed structural solution for the seismic upgrading of masonry towers and might open the way to future developments and applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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21 pages, 5247 KiB  
Article
Multiscale Numerical Analysis of TRM-Reinforced Masonry under Diagonal Compression Tests
by Pietro Gulinelli, Alessandra Aprile, Raffaella Rizzoni, Yves-Henri Grunevald and Frédéric Lebon
Buildings 2020, 10(11), 196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings10110196 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2504
Abstract
The present paper reports an experimental study coupled with a numerical modelling approach to simulate masonry walls strengthened with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM). This innovative reinforcing technique is based on high-strength fibre grids embedded into inorganic matrices, and it has recently been promoted for [...] Read more.
The present paper reports an experimental study coupled with a numerical modelling approach to simulate masonry walls strengthened with textile-reinforced mortar (TRM). This innovative reinforcing technique is based on high-strength fibre grids embedded into inorganic matrices, and it has recently been promoted for the seismic retrofitting of historical masonry buildings. In the experimental campaign presented here, two different commercial TRM systems are applied to single-leaf clay masonry panels. The specimens are then subjected to diagonal compression tests in order to evaluate the effects of TRM on the structural performance. The proposed finite element (FE) model, based on an original multiscale approach, is employed to simulate the diagonal compression tests. The numerical results show a very good agreement with the experimental data, including in terms of failure mode. In particular, the approach reproduces the macroscopic behaviour of the masonry panels as regards the force-displacement response, and it allows for the possibility of simulating bed joint sliding and TRM layer debonding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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22 pages, 27932 KiB  
Article
A Multilevel Approach for the Cultural Heritage Vulnerability and Strengthening: Application to the Melfi Castle
by Cristina Cantagallo, Enrico Spacone, Daniele Perrucci, Nicola Liguori and Clara Verazzo
Buildings 2020, 10(9), 158; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings10090158 - 03 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3742
Abstract
This study outlines a procedure for the seismic safety evaluation of historical buildings for engineers and architects that commonly work on buildings belonging to cultural and architectural heritage. The procedure is characterized by two interrelated phases: (a) building knowledge acquisition and (b) structural [...] Read more.
This study outlines a procedure for the seismic safety evaluation of historical buildings for engineers and architects that commonly work on buildings belonging to cultural and architectural heritage. The procedure is characterized by two interrelated phases: (a) building knowledge acquisition and (b) structural behavior analysis and safety assessment. The seismic safety evaluation strongly depends on the first phase, whose data can be obtained according to a multi-disciplinary approach based on five steps: (1) critical-historical analysis; (2) photographic documentation and geometrical survey; (3) structural identification and material survey; (4) foundation and soil survey; and (5) cracking pattern and structural integrity analysis. The proposed method was applied to the evaluation of the seismic safety of the Castle of Melfi (PZ, Italy). Comprehensive and multi-disciplinary knowledge of this monument greatly facilitated an accurate seismic analysis of this monument, which was conducted both at a local and global level using a linear kinematic analysis and non-linear static (pushover) analysis, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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29 pages, 13283 KiB  
Article
Advanced Techniques for Pilotis RC Frames Seismic Retrofit: Performance Comparison for a Strategic Building Case Study
by Eleonora Grossi, Matteo Zerbin and Alessandra Aprile
Buildings 2020, 10(9), 149; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/buildings10090149 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3635
Abstract
Pilotis buildings have widely spread out in developed countries since World War II onwards. From the structural point of view, Pilotis RC frames exhibit substantial lack in ductility capacity and shear resistance localized at the first floor, since they have been mainly realized [...] Read more.
Pilotis buildings have widely spread out in developed countries since World War II onwards. From the structural point of view, Pilotis RC frames exhibit substantial lack in ductility capacity and shear resistance localized at the first floor, since they have been mainly realized before the seismic codes’ era. The present study shows the performance comparison of four advanced retrofit techniques when applied to typical Pilotis RC frame designed for gravity loads only according to Italian building code of ‘60s. A preliminary investigation has been performed to select non-linear numerical models suitable to describe the considered RC frame behavior, involving flexural inelastic hinges of RC beams and columns and in-plane axial inelastic hinges of masonry infill panels. Two seismic retrofit projects have been designed at a local level, by strengthening the masonry infilled panels with Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) technique and alternatively by replacing infilled panels with prefabricated panels disconnected from the structure, so that no infill/frame interaction occurs. Two more retrofit projects have been designed at a global level, in order to improve the overall structural performance making use of energy dissipation and, alternatively, base isolation techniques. Nonlinear time history analysis and structural assessment have been carried out for the as-built case as well as for the four retrofit solutions according to Eurocode 8 and Italian Building Code, in order to highlight the structural deficiencies and relative improvements, respectively. Performances offered by the proposed retrofit techniques have been finally compared in terms of structural behavior, expected damage, and economic impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Methods for Structural Rehabilitation)
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