by Applied Element Method | Oct 11, 2017 | Conferences
A large number of buildings in regions with low to medium seismic hazard have been designed without considering earthquake actions. Retrofitting of all buildings that fail to meet modern code requirements is economically, technically and environmentally unsustainable. Decision-making regarding retrofitting necessity and prioritization is complex. Ambient vibrations are non-destructive and easy to measure, and thus an attractive data source. However, ambient vibrations have very low amplitudes, which potentially lead to sensitivity to testing conditions and stiffness contributions from non-structural elements. Seismic assessment necessitates non-linear behavior extrapolation from linear measurements, which results in biased model predictions.
by Applied Element Method | Apr 8, 2017 | Conferences
A new methodology to design against disproportionate collapse is proposed for critical building that must be operational after a terrorist attack. The disproportionate collapse analysis uses the alternate path method where the structure must be designed to support the...
by Applied Element Method | Apr 7, 2017 | Conferences
Alternative Load Path Analysis (ALPA) is becoming the most common technique for performance based design of structures to resist disproportionate collapse. This has coincided with an increased ability of high fidelity numerical analysis tools validated by experimental...
by Applied Element Method | Feb 29, 2016 | Other Publications, Thesis
Unreinforced masonry (URM) structures have shown to be susceptible to significant damage during strong earthquakes. Vulnerability assessment of URM buildings is needed so that appropriate mitigation strategies can be implemented. The existing Canadian practice consists of rapid seismic screening of buildings to assign priorities for further and more refined assessments, followed by refined analysis of individual critical buildings.
by Applied Element Method | Nov 21, 2014 | Other Publications, Thesis
As time advances structures in Portuguese built areas start to show high levels of degradation. This suggests that when rehabilitation is no longer a viable option these structures need to be demolished. The demolition of structures by the use of explosives is a...
