Shake and model buildings to predict earthquake loss
Forced vibration testing helps us improve our understanding of the dynamic behaviour of structural systems. In these tests, a machine called vibration generator shakes the building from one of the top floors and accelerometers deployed throughout the building measure the structural vibrations. Upon digital signal processing of the recorded accelerations, structural system dynamic properties are determined. Within the EU-funded project FORAGAINST (Forced vibration testing and seismic fragility assessment of instrumented structures), researchers performed in-situ dynamic tests on reinforced concrete and steel buildings in Turkey, which were outfitted with permanent instrumentation for recording their dynamic responses during future earthquakes. Tested buildings include a four-story reinforced concrete dormitory/school building in Bolu, near the North Anatolian Fault, a four-story reinforced concrete office building in Istanbul, a six-story steel residential building in Antakya and a six-story precast concrete dormitory building in Ankara. Identified structural properties were used for validation and calibration of their state-of-the-art finite element models. Researchers relied on these models for the development of probabilistic seismic risk assessment tools in the form of fragility curves for these permanently instrumented structures. Earthquakes are difficult to predict and can be devastating in consequence, prompting great interest in predictive tools to assess the safety of buildings. FORAGAINST project makes an important contribution to this effort for buildings equipped with sensors for monitoring their structural vibrations.
Keywords
Buildings, vibration, FORAGAINST, dynamic properties, dynamic tests, earthquakes, monitoring
