FORAGAINST

Forced Vibration Testing and Seismic Fragility Assessment of Instrumented Structures

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The objectives of this proposed research are to perform forced vibration tests on the following reinforced concrete structures, which are permanently instrumented for recording their dynamic responses in the case of future earthquakes in Turkey: a four-story dormitory building in Bolu, a four-story office building in Istanbul, a five-story hospital building in Antakya, a three-story school building in Antakya, and a four-story university building in Izmir, and to derive seismic fragilities for these structures to evaluate their seismic vulnerability. The structural dynamic properties identified from the forced vibration tests will be used in validating or calibrating the-state-of-the-art finite element models of these structures. These structural models will then be used in developing probabilistic seismic risk assessment tools in the form of fragility curves for these permanently instrumented structures. The end-product of this study, the seismic fragilities, will serve the building owners and local authorities in pre-earthquake planning to mitigate probable losses and in post-earthquake planning to develop emergency response and recovery strategies in earthquake prone regions of Turkey.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Earthquakes can be difficult to predict and devastating in consequence, as witnessed by major related losses incurred quite recently around the world. Understanding the seismic fragility of buildings will support effective planning to reduce loss of life and property.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

A Turkish researcher is shaking up reinforced concrete and steel buildings in Turkey, outfitted with permanent instrumentation for recording their dynamic responses during future earthquakes, with EU support of the FORAGAINST (Forced vibration testing and seismic fragility assessment of instrumented structures) project. Validation and calibration of state-of-the-art finite element models of these structures based on the test results will enable their application in assessment of various earthquake scenarios. This will assist in development of proactive plans to mitigate potential effects as well as development of emergency response and recovery strategies.

The researcher has now conducted forced and ambient vibration testing of two of the four buildings targeted for the study. To date, a four-story reinforced concrete school building in Bolu, nearby the North Anatolian Fault, and a six-story steel residential building in Antakya were shaken by a machine called vibration generator and structural vibrations were measured by accelerometers deployed throughout the buildings. Structural system dynamic properties identified from the tests have been used in validation of the finite element models of these structures. In the upcoming phase, these structural models will be used in developing probabilistic seismic risk assessment tools in the form of fragility curves for these permanently instrumented structures.

Earthquakes have caused devastating destruction to civil infrastructure in recent years, prompting great interest in tools to assess the performance of buildings for better crisis management. FORAGAINST will make an important contribution to this effort by developing risk assessment tools for four buildings equipped with sensors for monitoring their structural vibrations. Improved finite element models though the use of in-situ dynamic testing in turn will lead to better predictions and improved preventive and emergency response measures, likely saving lives and infrastructure.