Project description
Undisruptive roof-based exoskeleton seismic retrofitting solution
Earthquakes pose a significant threat to human life and infrastructure worldwide. To reduce earthquake damage, a variety of methods have been implemented, particularly in vulnerable, high-risk urban areas. Currently, exoskeleton-based seismic retrofitting methods require direct façade interventions and clear space around at least two façades, a requirement that can be both difficult to achieve and disruptive in the case of essential buildings. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ROOFEX project will develop an alternative solution for dense and spatially constrained urban areas. This solution will reduce spatial constraints and disruptions by requiring only roof-level interventions and a single façade with clear space, thereby reducing costs and its impact on architectural efficiency and aesthetics.
Objective
ROOFEX addresses one of the main shortcomings of existing exoskeleton-based seismic retrofitting methods, namely the need for clear space around at least two façades and direct façade interventions, the latter being particularly disruptive for essential buildings such as hospitals. These requirements significantly restrict the applicability of current approaches, especially in dense and spatially constrained urban areas. In contrast, ROOFEX requires intervention only at the roof level and can be implemented even when clearance is available on just one side of a building. This innovation overcomes spatial constraints, minimises disruption, preserves architectural aesthetics, and ensures wider applicability at reduced cost. The method ensures reliable performance under broadband seismic loading and achieves reductions of about 50 percent in structural displacements and up to 50 percent in floor accelerations. This dual effectiveness is crucial for essential facilities where both structural elements and acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements must remain functional. In addition, the roof-based exoskeleton doubles as a platform for energy-renovation systems. By avoiding façade interventions, it eliminates the prevailing challenge of integrating seismic and energy retrofits. Serving as a multifunctional and eco-friendly solution, the approach aligns closely with European Green Deal objectives for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Beyond technical innovation, ROOFEX will deliver design-oriented models translated into performance-based guidelines consistent with second-generation Eurocodes, equipping engineers with practical tools for reliable application. It will also provide stakeholders with insights into the environmental and economic benefits of the solution, with a strong focus on essential facilities. Ultimately, ROOFEX will contribute to Europe’s scientific leadership, societal resilience, and competitiveness in the retrofitting sector.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology civil engineering structural engineering earthquake engineering seismic loading
- engineering and technology civil engineering structural engineering earthquake engineering base isolation
- social sciences economics and business economics sustainable economy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
S10 2TN SHEFFIELD
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.