Controversial Aspects in Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of Structures in Modern Times: Understanding and Implementing Lessons from Ancient Heritage

Stefano Pampanin

Senior Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand

This paper is part of the Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 39, No. 2, June 2006.

Several alternative seismic retrofit and strengthening solutions have been studied in the past and adopted in practical applications ranging from conventional techniques, utilizing braces, jacketing or infills, to more recent approaches such as supplemental damping devices or advanced materials (e.g. Fibre Reinforced Polymers, FRP, or Shape Memory Alloys, SMA). A series of controversial issues are implicit in the complex decision-making process of seismic retrofit, where both rational and counter-intuitive solutions can satisfy some of the most critical aspects of multi-level performance-based seismic retrofit criteria. Interesting and fascinating suggestions and lessons can be obtained by reviewing the current trends in new design (i.e. innovative solutions for the future generation of buildings systems) as well as the architectural solutions used by the ancients. While walking this “bridge of knowledge” of our cultural heritage with the critical eyes of a curious and passionate observer, we can observe surprising commonality in engineering problems and their successful (and recently attempted) solutions. Understanding and implementing this heritage could lead to a uniquely stable platform for major breakthroughs in the development of “new solutions” in seismic design and retrofit.

In particular, recent technological solutions for precast/prestressed concrete buildings, originally developed under the PRESSS (PREcast Seismic Structural System) Program and further refined (Priestley et al., 1999, Pampanin et al., 2005, Pampanin et al., 2006a) rely on the use of unbonded post-tensioned tendons with re-centering capability (negligible residual displacements) and are capable of significantly reducing the expected damage after a moderate-to-strong earthquake event. In these dry jointed ductile solutions, opposite to wet and strong connection solutions, precast elements are jointed together through unbonded post-tensioning tendons/strands or bars.

References

MacRae, G.A. and Kawashima, K., 1997. “Post-Earthquake Residual Displacements of Bilinear Oscillators”, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, Vol.26, pp.701-716.

NZS 3101:2005. “Standards New Zealand, Appendix B: Special Provisions For The Seismic Design Of Ductile Jointed Precast Concrete Structural Systems”.

Marriott, D., 2006. “Use of Advanced Materials and Systems for the Performance-Based Seismic Design and Retrofit of Reinforced Concrete Structures, Department of Civil Engineering”, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Ph.D. Thesis, under preparation.

Palermo A., Pampanin, S., Calvi, G.M. 2005. “Concept and development of Hybrid Systems for Seismic-Resistant Bridges”, Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Imperial College Press, Vol. 9 (6), pp. 899-921.

Pampanin, S., Christopoulos, C., 2003. “Non-invasive Retrofit of Existing RC Frames Designed for Gravity Loads only”, fib2003 Symposium on Concrete Structures in Seismic Regions, Athens.

Pampanin, S., Calvi, G.M. and Moratti, M., 2002. “Seismic Behaviour of R.C. Beam-Column Joints Designed for Gravity Loads”, 12th ECEE, London, paper n. 726.

Pampanin, S., Christopoulos, C. and Chen T.-H., 2006a. “Development and Validation of a Metallic Haunch Seismic Retrofit Solution For Existing Under-Designed RC Frame Buildings”, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, in press.

Pampanin, S., Magenes, G. and Carr, A., 2003. “Modelling of Shear Hinge Mechanism in poorly Detailed RC Beam-Column Joints”, Proceedings of the fib Symposium Concrete Structures in Seismic Regions, Athens, paper n. 171.

Pampanin, S., Bolognini, D., Pavese, A., 2006b. “Performance-based Seismic Retrofit Strategy for Existing Reinforced Concrete Frame Systems using FRP composites”, ASCE Journal of Composites in Construction, Special Issue “Recent International Advances in FRP Research and Application in Construction” (Guest Editor: Rudi Seracino), in press.

Pampanin, S., Christopoulos, C. and Priestley M.J.N. 2002. “Residual Deformations In The Performance-Based Seismic Assessment Of Frame Systems”, ROSE Research Report 2002/02, European School on Advanced Studies on Reduction of Seismic Risk, Pavia, Italy.

Pampanin, S., 2005. “Emerging Solutions for High Seismic Performance of Precast/Prestressed Concrete Buildings”, Journal of Advanced Concrete Technology (ACT), Invited paper for Special Issue on “High performance systems”, Vol. 3 (2), pp. 202-223.

Pampanin, S., Pagani, C., Zambelli, S., 2004. “Cable-Stayed and Suspended Post-Tensioned Solutions for Precast Concrete Frames: The Brooklyn System”; Proc. of NZ Concrete Industry Conference, Queenstown.

Pampanin, S., Palermo, A. Amaris, A., 2006a. “Implementation and Testing Of Advanced Solutions For Jointed Ductile Precast Concrete Seismic Resisting Frames”, 2nd fib Congress, Naples.

Pampanin, S., Christopoulos, Chen, T-H.,, 2006c “Development And Validation of a Haunch metallic Seismic Retrofit Solution for Existing Under-Designed RC Frame Buildings”, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, in press.

Pampanin, S., Bolognini, D., Pavese, 2006b “Performance-based Seismic Retrofit Strategy for Existing Reinforced Concrete Frame Systems using FRP composites”, ASCE Journal of Composites for Construction, Invited Paper for Special Issue on “Recent International Advances in FRP Research and Application in Construction”, in press.

Palermo, A., 2004. “The Use of Controlled Rocking in the Seismic Design of Bridges”, Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of Structural Engineering, Technical University of Milan, Italy.

Park, R., 2002. “A Summary of Results of Simulated Seismic Load Tests on Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints, Beams and Columns with Substandard Reinforcing Details”. Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 2, 1-27.

Priestley, M.J.N., Sritharan, S., Conley, J.R. and Pampanin, S., 1999. “Preliminary Results and Conclusions From the PRESSS Five-Storey Precast Concrete Test Building”, PCI Journal, Vol. 44, No. 6, pp. 42-67.

Sugano, S., 1996. “State of the art in Techniques for Rehabilitation of Buildings”, Proceedings of the 11th WCEE, Acapulco, Mexico, paper n. 2175.

Stanton, J.F., Stone, W.C., and Cheok, G.S., 1997. “A hybrid reinforced precast frame for seismic regions”, PCI Journal, Vol. 42, No. 2, pp.20-32.

Aycardi, L., E., Mander, J., B. and Reinhorn, A.M., 1994. “Seismic Resistance of R.C. Frame Structures Designed Only for Gravity Loads: Experimental Performance of Subassemblages”, ACI Structural Journal, Vol. 91 (.5), 552-563.

Tomazevic, M., “Earthquake-resistant design of masonry buildings”, Series on Innovation in Structures and Constructions, Vol. 1, Imperial College Press, London.

Bing. L, Yiming W. and Tso-Chien P., 2002. “Seismic Bahaviour of Non-Seismically Detailed Interior Beam-Wide Column Joints. Part I: Experimental Results and Observed Bahaviour”, ACI Structural Journal, Vol. 99(6).

Beres, A., Pessiki, S., White, R. and Gergely, P., 1996. “Implications of Experimental on the Seismic Behaviour of Gravity Load Designed RC Beam-Column Connections”, Earthquake Spectra, Vol. 12 (2), May, pp. 185-198.

Calvi, G.M., Magenes, G. and Pampanin, S., 2002b. “Experimental Test on a Three Storey R.C. Frame Designed for Gravity Only”, 12th ECEE, London, paper n. 727.

Calvi G.M., Magenes G. and Pampanin S., 2002a. “Relevance of Beam-Column Damage and Collapse in RC Frame Assessment”. Journal of Earthquake Engineering (JEE), Vol. 6 (2), pp.75-100.

Crisafulli, F., Carr, A. and Park, R., 1997. “Analytical Modelling of Infilled Frame Structures – a General Review”, Bulletin of the NZNSEE, 33(1), 30-47.

Croci, G., Bonci, A., and Viskovic, A., 2000. "Use of Shape Memory Alloy Devices in the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi." ISTECH Project-Proc. of Final Workshop, Italy pp. 110-133.

Christopoulos, C. Pampanin S., 2004. “Towards performance-based design of MDOF structures with explicit consideration of residual deformations”, ISET Journal of Structural Engineering, Special Issue 41(1).

Dolce, M., Cardone, D. and Marnetto, R., 2000. “Implementation and testing of passive control devices based on shape memory alloys”. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, Vol. 29(7), 945-968.

DesRoches, R., and Smith, B., 2004. "Shape Memory Alloys in Seismic Resistant Design and Retrofit: A Critical Review of their Potential and Limitations." Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 8(3), 415-429.

Elnashai, A.S. and R. Pinho 1998. “Repair and Retrofitting of RC Walls using Selective Techniques”, Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 2 (4), 525-568.

fib, 2003. “Seismic design of precast concrete building structures”, Bulletin 27, Lausanne.

fib (Federation International du Beton) 2001. “Externally Bonded FRP Reinforcement for RC structures”, fib Bulletin n.14, Lausanne.

Hewes, J.T. and Priestley, M.J.N., 2001. “Experimental Testing of Unbonded Post-tensioned Precast Concrete Segmental Bridge Columns”, Proc. of the 6th Caltrans Seismic Research Workshop Program, Sacramento, California.

Hakuto, S., Park, R. and Tanaka, H., 2000. “Seismic Load Tests on Interior and Exterior Beam-Column Joints with Substandard Reinforcing Details”, ACI Structural Journal, Vol. 97 (1), 11-25.

Ireland, M., Pampanin, S., Bull, D.K., 2006. “Concept and Implementation of a Selective Weakening Approach for the Seismic Retrofit of R.C. Buildings” Proceedings of the Annual NZSEE Conference, Napier, March.

Indirli, M., 2000. "The Demo-Intervention of the ISTECH Project: The Bell-Tower of S.Giorgio in Trignano (Italy)." ISTECH Project-Proceedings of Final Workshop, Italy, 134-146.

Kam W-Y, Pampanin, S., Palermo, A., Carr, A., 2006. “Advanced Flag-Shape Systems for High_Seismic Performance”, Proceedings of the 1st ECEES, Geneva, Switzerland, Sept.

Kwan, W.-P. and Billington, S., 2003. “Unbonded Post-Tensioned Bridge Piers II: Seismic Analyses”. ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 8(2), 102-111.

Jensen, J., Bull, D.K., Pampanin, S., 2006. “Conceptual Retrofit Strategy for Existing Hollowcore Seating Connections”, Proceedings of the Annual NZSEE Conference, Napier, March.

Mander, J.B. and Chen, C.T., 1997. “Seismic Resistance of Bridge Piers based on Damage Avoidance Design”, Technical Report NCEER-97-0014 (National Centre for Earthquake Engineering Research), State University of New York, Buffalo.

Manos, G.C., M. Demosthenous, V. Kourtides, J. Evison-Manou, 2000. “Study of the Dynamic and Earthquake Behaviour of Ancient Columns and Colonnades with and without the Inclusion of wires with Energy Dissipation Characteristics”, 12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Auckland.

Magenes, G. Pampanin, S., 2004. “Seismic Response of Gravity load Designed Frame Systems with Masonry Infills”, 12th WCEE, Vancouver, August, Paper n.4004.