Techniques For Apartment Buildings Seismic Retrofit

By Virginia Ward


People who own story structure in earthquake-prone areas are expected to retrofit their buildings to guarantee safety to their tenants. Different measures have been laid out by different authorities involved in such issues. Therefore, failing to consider their policies might lead to the closure of your structure, collapse or even demolishing if it is extremely risky. Below are methods for apartment buildings seismic retrofit to take into consideration.

Infill walls reinforcement. Infill of walls is done to reinforce the inner side of a wall. Therefore, concrete or other types of infill are set up on the walls of soft-story structures. Using this method increases the weight which is pressed on the foundation hence the need of adjustments to accommodate this change. Using this method is effective but does not improve the ductility of the entire structure.

Additional of braces. Steel and concrete braces are used to connect the initial framing of a structure to avoid leaving disconnections which weaken the structure. The continuous structure which is made through this process makes the building to be stiff enough to withstand movement during an earthquake. One can adopt various bracing methods such as buckling, restrained bracing, steel bracing, and other types.

Isolation of the base helps. In this procedure, the base of a story structure is separated with bearings to create room for movement during an earthquake. The bearings are installed between the sub and superstructure of the foundation. It also allows dematerialization of energy which is inhibited by a continuous structure.

Use of energy dissipation devices. Most structure collapse in earthquake region occurs due to the vibration which is caused by the movements. Installation of energy dissipation devices dissipates the energy that produces vibration away from the structure. Some of the devices that are used include hysteretic, viscoelastic, and frictional dampers.

Consider using smart materials. There has been a lot of cutting-edge materials which have been developed over the recent years. One can use aramid fiber or the carbon fiber which is reinforced with plastic. They are specially made sheets wrapped on support beams to improve their durability and ductility. These sheets have proven to be effective in areas which have high seismic activities.

Other methods which can be used. A construction owner can adopt other modern techniques to reduce the risks caused by an earthquake. Some of these methods include the Aoki method and precast retrofit system. The Aoki method involves the use of steel pipes which have been fitted with friction dampers are used on the external wall. This creates reinforcement and energy dissipation capacity as well. Besides that, on can use the selective method which starts with weakening parts of the wall and reinforcing it using various techniques.

Choose a professional firm which is affiliated with this practice to ensure quality outcomes. Even so, consider all the structural policies which are in place, your budget and the level of earthquake that can hit your region. Apart from that, secure quality materials used in the specific method which you have concluded on. Take time to compare all the companies which are at your disposal and consider one which has the most reasonable pricing. It should also have enough resources to use your favorite strategy.




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