Parametric Evaluation of Seismic Strengthening Strategies for School Buildings in High-Risk Seismic Zones
Ensuring the operational continuity of socially critical facilities such as schools following earthquakes is essential for community resilience and disaster recovery. In Türkiye, where seismic risk is high and portions of the public building stock lack adequate engineering design, assessing structural vulnerability and implementing effective retrofitting strategies are urgent priorities. This study investigates seismic strengthening approaches for representative school building typologies to enhance structural safety and post-earthquake functionality.
Characterization of School Building Typologies and Seismic Parameters
Three commonly used reinforced concrete school building types (8-, 14-, and 22-classroom configurations) were selected to represent vulnerable public building stock. Parametric analyses incorporated variations in peak ground acceleration (PGA), local soil conditions, and material strengths to reflect regional seismic diversity. These parameters allowed for realistic modeling of structural behavior under different hazard intensities and site conditions.
Strengthening Techniques and Structural Modeling Framework
The study evaluates three widely adopted retrofitting methods: reinforced concrete (RC) jacketing, shear wall addition, and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping applied to columns. A total of 432 structural models were generated to assess different strengthening combinations and performance outcomes. Each scenario was examined to determine its ability to achieve predefined seismic performance targets under varying hazard conditions.
Impact of Strengthening on Structural Response and Period Modification
Results indicate that strengthening interventions significantly influence structural stiffness and dynamic characteristics. The combined application of shear wall addition and RC jacketing produced the most pronounced reduction in structural period, thereby decreasing spectral displacement demands. This enhancement improved lateral load resistance and overall seismic performance compared to single-method applications.
Over-Strength Factor and Cost Implications
Although the combination of shear wall addition and jacketing yielded superior structural performance, it also resulted in increased over-strength factors and higher retrofitting costs. In contrast, FRP wrapping provided moderate performance improvements with comparatively lower economic impact. The findings highlight the necessity of balancing safety enhancement, economic feasibility, and structural efficiency when selecting strengthening strategies.
Implications for Seismic Codes and Retrofit Policy
A critical outcome of the study is the identification of a regulatory gap: current seismic codes lack explicit over-strength targets for retrofitted buildings. This omission may lead to inconsistent retrofit practices and inefficient resource allocation. The research underscores the importance of integrating over-strength performance criteria into future seismic code revisions to ensure optimized, cost-effective, and resilient strengthening strategies for public buildings.
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