The earthquakes in India and different parts of the world have caused loss of human lives and damage to property due to the collapse of structures. Though, an earthquake cannot be prevented, the loss of life and property can be minimized by taking necessary steps on the existing buildings to reduce the damages. It becomes essential to carry out first an assessment, then identify the deficient members and finally, carry out appropriate strengthening. This paper gives guidelines for seismic vulnerability assessment and strengthening of existing reinforced concrete buildings.
Dr. Rajeev Goel and GK Sahu, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, Delhi-Mathura Road, New Delhi
Introduction
Some of the severe earthquakes that occurred across the world after the year 2005 are Nepal M 7.8 (2015), Haiti M 7.0 (2010), Southern Sumatra, Indonesia M 7.5 (2009), Eastern Sichuan, China M7.9 (2008), and Java, Indonesia M 6.3 (2006). Several buildings have consistently exhibited poor performance in the past earthquakes around the world. The structural performance of the buildings during earthquake provides a lot of information about the merits and demerits of the design and construction practices in a region. Earthquake hazard can be minimised with proper understanding of behaviour of buildings during earthquake and careful planning, design and construction. Based on this information, codes have been prepared / upgraded worldwide.
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