Flat-slab buildings designed and detailed for gravity loads only typically do not have the ability to resist moderate earthquakes without experiencing severe damage. The damage potential of such seismically deficient buildings therefore needs to be assessed and strategies developed to improve their seismic resistance. Punching failure at slab-column connections in non-ductile flat-slab buildings during earthquakes can trigger progressive collapse of floor slabs. Based on the test results of a large number of interior and exterior connections, a methodology is developed to predict shear and unbalanced moment-transfer capacities of connections under combined gravity and lateral loads. Furthermore, a frame analysis procedure is developed based on the equivalent frame concept which targets both the moment-transfer capacity as well as stiffness of the interior and exterior slab-column connections. The approach employs a parametric hysteretic model and is based on the effective slab-width concept. The proposed procedure for evaluating the seismic capacity of flat-slab connections and frames is verified by comparing the calculated and measured responses of two-bay flat-slab subassemblies tested under earthquake-type loading. Seismic reliability against punching failure of slab-column connections in flat-slab buildings designed for gravity loads was investigated using the proposed equivalent frame approach. The reliability analysis indicated that the flat-slab buildings constructed prior to the 1960's could experience significant damage during moderate intensity earthquakes. By limiting the gravity load on floor slabs and by controlling the lateral drift, the potential for punching failure in flat-slab buildings can be minimized. The seismic resistance of older flat-slab buildings can be improved by retrofitting interior connections to protect against progressive collapse and by utilizing infill walls to control lateral drift. An economical connection retrofit scheme is proposed and verified experimentally. The equivalent strut concept is used to model masonry infills whose effectiveness in controlling the lateral drift is demonstrated through theoretical analysis of typical flat-slab frames.

Currently, in North America, a large percentage of infrastructure assets, including education and healthcare buildings, are deteriorating rapidly due to age and over capacity. The budget constraints under which municipalities and public agencies operate also make the sustainability of these buildings a serious challenge. This is particularly so when capital renewal programs are downsized to save money, thus hindering the proper inspection of buildings and the allocation of renewal funds. In addition, building inspections and condition assessments are generally resource intensive, subjective, time-consuming, and costly. To support capital renewal decisions that pertain to buildings, this research introduces a comprehensive condition assessment framework that overcomes the drawbacks of the existing processes. A prototype of the framework utilizing hand-held devices has been developed and tested on the capital renewal program of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The framework is innovative on three main fronts: (1) it utilizes available reactive-maintenance records to predict the condition of components and to prioritize inspection tasks among limited available resources; (2) it employs a unique visual guidance system that is based on extensive surveys and field data collection to support uniform condition assessment of building components; and (3) it introduces a location-based inspection process with a standardized building hierarchy. The research contributes to restructuring the inspection and condition assessment processes, providing a better understanding of the interactions among building components, integrating capital renewal and maintenance data, and developing a practical condition assessment framework that is economical, less-subjective, and suitable for use by individuals with less experience. The framework also incorporates permanent documentation of the condition of the asset along its life cycle, and aids in scheduling inspections so as to maintain low-cost condition tracking. Ultimately, the proposed system will provide timely and sufficient information to facilitate accurate repair decisions for maintaining the building infrastructure. The framework is of benefit to both researchers and practitioners. Its formulation is innovative and helps building owners automate most inspection tasks, quantify the impact of alternative funding scenarios, and reduce the cost of asset management. In addition, because asset management is a less-developed multi-billion dollar business, the research is expected to establish leading technology and know-how that will help Canadian companies gain a competitive global advantage. At the municipality level, the proposed prototype is expected to assist managers in arriving at decisions that will ensure the cost-effective operation of buildings and uninterrupted service to the public.

No description available.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 314-327).

Includes bibliographical references (p. 217-227).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 325-335). Also available in print.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 74-78).

Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-127).

Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of Hong Kong, 2002. / Includes special report study entitled: Outdoor spaces as educational connectors. Synposis also in Chinese. Includes bibliographical references.