Methods For Non Ductile Buildings Seismic Retrofit


By Jerry Burns


In most cases, buildings that are non-ductile have been the main cause of fatal accidents during an earthquake. These buildings are made out of concrete which is used in floors, walls, roofs and supporting columns. Their high risks are caused by the rigidity of the concrete material which cannot withstand the shock produced during an earthquake. Different measures can be undertaken to reduce the risks that result from such structures. The following are guidelines for non ductile buildings seismic retrofit to take into consideration.

Consider using the column reinforcing measures. Different materials can be used to strengthen columns which support buildings. This includes reinforcement using carbon fiber, plate winding, aramid fiber and poring reinforced concrete. Aramid and carbon fibers are the best measures to undertake since they are light and do not add weight to the building foundation.

Consider bracing the building using steel. Steel bracing is a common method that is used in strengthening the building against seismic movements. Columns are braced using X-shaped steel braces inserted between the columns and beams. The use of steel is lighter compared with the addition of resisting earthquake. It also allows light inside the building through the opening formed by the steel braces.

Addition of reinforced concrete resisting walls. This method is used in strengthening the walls of a non-ductile structure. This measure is done to walls that have low resistance capacity which makes it suitable enough. However, it adds the weight of a structure to its foundation. Therefore, necessary precautions should be considered to avoid adding a lot of weight more than the pressure that the foundation can accommodate.

Clip the ceiling. Ceiling clipping prevents collapsing of the roof during seismic activity. The respective clips are installed on an existing structure and can be installed using the conventional process. These clips are affordable and can add an aesthetic appeal to the interior of a building. They do not have any big effect on the structure of a building as well.

Employ the seismic-isolation process. You can use devices or technology to enhance the capacity of a building using the seismic-isolation procedure. Rubber and lead devices are set at the interim of floors in a story building to absorb the shock produced through seismic activities. Besides that, special devices are placed between two specific rooms and floors to isolate from others to allow free movement during an earthquake.

Check the method used to control the effects of shaking. Various measures require to be considered to reduce the effects of shaking in a building. This includes the use of large water tanks, suspending a mass in the roof, ceiling damping and use of Built-in damping. The built-in damping method uses exterior framing which has dampers which are built-in.

Make sure that you have complied with all regulations concerning this process. Construction authorities within earthquake-prone areas have established strict measures and deadlines supposed to be observed by structure owners. As a building owner, you should hire a reliable company to assess the condition of your house to avoid placing it under the risk of demolition. This is considered if the measures are not undertaken within the provided time.




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