Earthquake Performance Analysis and Retrofitting of an Existing School Building by Different Methods

Abstract

Concrete structures designed prior to the implementation of modern building codes are still in use today. These structures are known for their inadequate design and poor performance during earthquakes. In this study, a performance analysis was conducted on an existing school structure in Istanbul, Turkey. The reasons for the damage were explored, and the structure was evaluated to determine the necessity for strengthening, the potential strengthening methods, and the appropriate comparison. Finally, recommendations were presented based on the available data from this study. The building was constructed in 1996 and has calculation reports and a static project. Linear and nonlinear methods were employed to determine the earthquake safety of structures after a mathematical model was created. The earthquake resistance of both the existing and retrofitting states of the school building was analyzed using linear and nonlinear analysis methods. The controlled damage limit could not be determined due to the high seismic intensity. A retrofit project has been devised for this low seismic performance building, comprising column jacketing, wrapping of beams with FRP, and the addition of shear walls. © 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers.