Buildings which are located within an earthquake-prone region are expected to be retrofitted to ensure that they are safe to live in. The level of risks in a story structure depends on different soft-story structures. They include open parking which is usually on the ground floors and ground retail shops that are enclosed with windows. Such structures do not provide enough sturdiness required to withstand a seismic movement. Here are a few techniques for apartment buildings seismic retrofit to consider.
Reinforcement of infill walls helps. Soft structures in a story structure are at the highest risk of causing damage. The use of infill walls involves using concrete to reinforce the inner side of a wall. This will add weight on the foundation hence the need to strengthen it as well. This procedure is quite reliable, but it does not improve the level of ductility of a structure.
Use of additional braces. Braces are commonly used in high rise apartment. It involves the use of steel or concrete braces to create a continuous connection to the whole building. Therefore, risks which are caused by the discontinuity of certain areas of a structure are reduced through this procedure. There are different bracing methods which include steel bracing, buckling, restraining, among other choices.
Base isolation. Base isolation is an interesting mitigation measure which includes putting bearings between the substructure and superstructure of the base. This method is used to allow energy to dematerialize in a significant manner. Therefore, the movement of the structure is reduced since there is no continuous base.
Consider the use of energy removal devices. Vibration and other forms of energy are familiar during an earthquake. Therefore, implanting devices which can remove these energies from the surface of a structure reduces the possibility of collapse. Some of the devices that can be used include viscoelastic, hysteretic and friction dampers.
Use of smart materials. Cutting technologies have been adapted recently to reduce the possibility of risks in a story structure. The most common smart materials that are in the market include aramid fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. They are sheets which are wrapped on beams to improve their ductility and durability. The use of these devices is cost effective and can be used in areas with high earthquake levels.
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.
It is essential to hire a professional mitigation company to determine the best method to use. Your choice is determined by the level of seismic activity in your region, your budget and policies which are made by relevant authorities. Choose an option which has proven to be effective in your region to guarantee the safety of your tenants.
Reinforcement of infill walls helps. Soft structures in a story structure are at the highest risk of causing damage. The use of infill walls involves using concrete to reinforce the inner side of a wall. This will add weight on the foundation hence the need to strengthen it as well. This procedure is quite reliable, but it does not improve the level of ductility of a structure.
Use of additional braces. Braces are commonly used in high rise apartment. It involves the use of steel or concrete braces to create a continuous connection to the whole building. Therefore, risks which are caused by the discontinuity of certain areas of a structure are reduced through this procedure. There are different bracing methods which include steel bracing, buckling, restraining, among other choices.
Base isolation. Base isolation is an interesting mitigation measure which includes putting bearings between the substructure and superstructure of the base. This method is used to allow energy to dematerialize in a significant manner. Therefore, the movement of the structure is reduced since there is no continuous base.
Consider the use of energy removal devices. Vibration and other forms of energy are familiar during an earthquake. Therefore, implanting devices which can remove these energies from the surface of a structure reduces the possibility of collapse. Some of the devices that can be used include viscoelastic, hysteretic and friction dampers.
Use of smart materials. Cutting technologies have been adapted recently to reduce the possibility of risks in a story structure. The most common smart materials that are in the market include aramid fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. They are sheets which are wrapped on beams to improve their ductility and durability. The use of these devices is cost effective and can be used in areas with high earthquake levels.
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.
It is essential to hire a professional mitigation company to determine the best method to use. Your choice is determined by the level of seismic activity in your region, your budget and policies which are made by relevant authorities. Choose an option which has proven to be effective in your region to guarantee the safety of your tenants.
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