Nonlinear time history analysis of a low-story RC building: Comparison of the existing and retrofitted states

Abstract

The current paper presents a seismic performance assessment of a low-story RC building through the time history analysis and a retrofitting proposal accordingly. The seismic analyses were repeated for the retrofitted building model and the effectiveness of the retrofitting proposal was determined. In the first stage of the study, the design project and material characteristics of the building were examined. Using these data, a 3D model of the building was prepared on the Midas Gen program. Next, a total of 11 earthquake records were selected and scaled for nonlinear time history analysis. Using the analysis results with the codes written on the Matlab program, the damage states of the load-bearing members were determined and the building’s performance was measured. The results indicated that some load-bearing members have insufficient strength and a retrofitting proposal was made accordingly. A building model was then prepared considering the retrofitting proposal and the retrofitted building model was found to satisfy controlled damage performance criteria envisaged in the local seismic code. It is believed that the methodology presented in this study can be effectively used in similar buildings with poor structural strength for identifying structural performance and selecting proper retrofitting practices.