Seismic retrofitting: what’s involved?

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Seismic retrofitting modifies existing structures to make them more resistant to earthquakes. There are four types of retrofitting, with the highest level being chosen for buildings of high economic, social or cultural value. Historic buildings require extensive work and collaboration. Seismic retrofitting is used for buildings over 10 stories tall and roads. Measures include adding strong trusses and beams, insulation, shock absorbers, and baffles. People living in earthquake-prone regions should regularly review earthquake safety materials and have an evacuation plan in place.

Seismic retrofitting is a building engineering school that focuses on modifying existing structures to make them more resistant to earthquakes. While there is no such thing as an earthquake resistant structure, especially in a high intensity earthquake, modifications can be made to a structure to make it safer. In seismic-prone areas, seismic retrofitting is required on many structures, especially bridges, tunnels, highway overpasses and public buildings. Additionally, new structures must conform to an established seismic standard.

There are four basic types of seismic retrofitting. The most basic is known as “public safety modernization”. In this type of seismic retrofit, a structure is reinforced so that people do not have to be killed in an earthquake, although they may be injured. In a large earthquake, the structure itself can become dangerous and must be destroyed and rebuilt. For low-grade structures, this type of seismic retrofitting is a reasonable option if the firm does not want to completely rebuild the structure.

The next level of seismic retrofitting is “structure survivability,” designed to ensure that the structure will withstand the earthquake, even though it may require significant repairs. Next comes “undamaged primary structure,” a type of seismic retrofit in which most damage to a structure following an earthquake should be cosmetic. Finally, “unaltered structure” is the highest level of seismic retrofitting, chosen for buildings of high economic, social or cultural value. Some of these terms are a bit misleading, as no facility can be made completely secure.

A major concern for seismic retrofit companies is historic buildings. It is important to preserve historic buildings with seismic retrofitting, but it is also important to ensure that the integrity of the building is not compromised. This requires extensive work and collaboration with companies specializing in the restoration of historic buildings.

Even private homes can be seismic retrofitted and choosing even a moderate retrofit will reduce insurance costs. Mostly, however, seismic retrofitting is used for buildings over 10 stories tall, which can reach a dangerous vibrational frequency in the event of an earthquake, along with roads, which must be maintained so that emergency services can act quickly in the event of an earthquake. of earthquake.

A variety of measures, both internal and external, are undertaken as part of seismic retrofitting. Adding strong trusses and beams to reinforce a building is common, as is “insulation,” a technique that turns a building into an island of sorts so that it isn’t so deeply impacted by a major earthquake. Shock absorbers, baffles and other construction techniques are also used to make structures safer in the event of an earthquake. However, people living in earthquake-prone regions should not rely on seismic retrofitting for safety; they should regularly review earthquake safety materials and make sure they have an evacuation plan in place.




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