Study of Preventive Seismic Retrofitting for an Existing Industrial Pharmaceutical Steel Building at Humacao, Puerto Rico

Abstract

Abstract - The project consists on the development of a comprehensive seismic evaluation and possible retrofit for an industrial pharmaceutical steel building. The building was originally constructed during the 1970s decade, before the adoption of modern seismic design codes. The study includes the evaluation of the strength capacity and ductility of existing structural lateral force resisting system members in relation to the actual codes. The structural analysis and evaluation determined if rehabilitation will be required. The structural member sections and details were evaluated using the requirements of International Building Code IBC 2009 Structural/Seismic Design Manual, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures ASCE 7-05 and American Institute of Steel Construction Manual, AISC (thirteen edition). Finally, a retrofit proposal, among other solution, was recommended to increase the critical elements capacity to resist lateral loads as required. Key Terms - Excessive Buckling in Compression Members, Finite Element Methods, Ordinary Concentric Braces Frames, Slender Column Condition.