Non-ductile reinforced concrete frame buildings constitute an important part of the vulnerable buildings in seismic regions of the world. Collapse of non-ductile multi story concrete buildings during strong earthquakes in the past resulted in severe casualties and economic losses. Their rehabilitation through retrofitting is a critical issue in reducing seismic risks worldwide. A displacement-based retrofitting approach is presented in this study for seismic retrofitting of medium height non-ductile concrete frames. A minimum amount of shear walls are added for maintaining the deformation levels below the critical level dictated by the existing columns in the critical story, which is usually at the ground story. Detailing of shear walls are based on conforming to the reduced deformation demands of the retrofitted frame/wall system. Member-end rotations are employed as the response parameters for performance evaluation. Initial results obtained from the proposed displacement based approach have revealed that jacketing of columns and confining the end regions of added shear walls are usually unnecessary compared to the conventional force-based approach, where excessive force and deformation capacities are provided regardless of the actual deformation demands.

The research described here is part of a multi-university project on “Performance-based Seismic Design Methods and Tools for Reinforced Masonry Shear-Wall Structures.” Within the context of that project, the objective of the research described in this dissertation was to develop and validate a specific displacement-based seismic design methodology for masonry structures. Experimental work consisted of reversed cyclic loading tests of reinforced masonry wall segments with different boundary conditions, aspect ratios, axial loads, and reinforcement detailing. Analytical work consisted of developing analytical models for in-plane concrete masonry shear wall segments; calibrating those models using reversed cyclic test data; and using those models to successfully predict the nonlinear seismic response of two full-scale, multi-story reinforced masonry specimens tested on the shake-table at the University of California at San Diego. Design work consisted of the force-based and displacement based design of those specimens. Based on the results, provisions for displacement-based seismic design are proposed for inclusion in United States design codes. / text

A Displacement Based Optimization (DBO) approach was applied to truss design problems with material nonlinearities, to explore feasibility and verify efficiency of the approach to solve such problem. Various truss sizing problems with holonomic (path-independent) elastoplastic laws were investigated. This type of material nonlinearity allows us to naturally extend the linear elastic truss sizing in the DBO setting to nonlinear problems. A computer program that uses the commercially available optimizer DOT by VR&D and IMSL Linear Programming solver by Visual Numerics was developed to solve this type of problems. For comparison, we chose an important class of minimum-weight truss design problems, where holonomic linear strain hardening behavior was used. Additional examples of optimum design of trusses with elastic perfectly plastic material response that could be easily solved by Limit Design approach using linear programming were investigated for comparison. All demonstrated examples were tested successfully using the DBO approach. Solutions of comparable examples were consistent with the available results by other methods. Computational effort associated with the DBO approach was minimal for all the examples studied. Optimum solutions of several examples proved that the DBO approach is particularly suited for truss topology design where removal of truss members is essential. / Master of Science

This dissertation is relevant to structural engineers focusing on seismic design of structures using reinforced masonry. Specifically the thesis focuses on the seismic performance of reinforced masonry shear walls as seismic force resisting systems. / Reinforced masonry (RM) has been gaining a wide acceptance in the low- and mid-rise construction market as an economic and durable structural system. However, challenges still exist in the area of seismic design because of the poor performance of unreinforced masonry during recent earthquake events in Iran 2003, Haiti 2010, Japan 2011, New Zealand 2011 and Nepal 2015. The dissertation investigated the seismic performance of six concrete block structural walls in an effort to evaluate their force-, displacement- and performance- based seismic design parameters. The walls fall under the ductile shear wall/special reinforced wall seismic force resisting system (SFRS) classification according to the current North American masonry design standards. More specifically, the dissertation is focused on evaluating if such walls, designed under the same prescriptive design provisions, having different cross-section configurations would possess similar seismic performance parameters. This was established through an experimental and analytical program by subjecting the walls to a displacement controlled quasi-static cyclic analysis. Different wall configurations were tested including, rectangular, flanged and slab-coupled walls. Test results confirmed that walls designed under the same SFRS classification, but with different configurations, have different seismic performance parameters that included ductility capacity; yield and post yield displacement; stiffness degradation; period elongation and equivalent viscous damping. The current North American masonry design provisions do not account for such difference in the ductility capacities between the walls. The thesis analyses were concluded by quantifying the seismic vulnerability of a RM SFRS comprised of shear walls similar to those tested, through the development of collapse fragility curves and the assignment of an adjusted collapse margin ratio, ACMR following the FEMA P-58 and P-695 guidelines. The system were deemed acceptable since the ACMR was greater than ACMR10% (2.35 > 2.31). Therefore, the selected RM SFRS which was designed to meet the prescriptive requirements of the ductile masonry walls classification of the CSA S304 (CSA 2014), shows potential capacity against collapse under high intensity earthquakes in one of the highest seismic zones in western Canada and it should be considered as a viable SFRS to be used in seismic design. The procedure described in the chapter can be adopted to investigate the collapse fragility of other SFRS in different seismic regions through careful selection and scaling of the ground motion records associated with such region's seismicity. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This research introduces and develops a counter-intuitive seismic retrofit strategy, referred to as “Selective Weakening” (SW), for pre-1970s reinforced concrete (RC) frames with a particular emphasis on the upgrading of exterior beam-column joints. By focusing on increasing the displacement and ductility capacities of the beam-column joints, simple retrofit interventions such as selective weakening of the beam and external post-tensioning of the joint can change the local inelastic mechanism and result in improved global lateral and energy dissipation capacities. The thesis first presents an extensive review of the seismic vulnerability and assessment of pre-1970s RC frames. Following a review of the concepts of performance-based seismic retrofit and existing seismic retrofit solutions, a thorough conceptual development of the SW retrofit strategy and techniques is presented. A “local-to-global” design procedure for the design of SW retrofit is proposed. Based on the evaluation of the hierarchy of strength at a subassembly level, a capacity-design retrofit outcome can be achieved using various combinations of levels of beam-weakening and joint post-tensioning. Analytical tools for the assessment and design of the SW-retrofitted beam-column joints are developed and compared with the test results. Nine 2/3-scaled exterior joint subassemblies were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of SW retrofit for non-ductile unreinforced beam-column connections. Parameters considered in the tests included the presence of column lap-splice, slab and transverse beams, levels of post-tensioning forces and location of beam weakening. Extensive instrumentation and a rigorous testing regime allowed for a detailed experimental insight into the seismic behaviour of these as-built and retrofitted joints. Experimental-analytical comparisons highlighted some limitations of existing seismic assessment procedures and helped in developing and validating the SW retrofit design expressions. Interesting insights into the bond behaviour of the plain-round bars, joint shear cracking and post-tensioned joints were made based on the experimental results. To complement the experimental investigation, refined fracture-mechanic finite-element (FE) modelling of the beam-column joint subassemblies and non-linear dynamic time-history analyses of RC frames were carried out. Both the experimental and numerical results have shown the potential of SW retrofit to be a simple and structurally efficient structural rehabilitation strategy for non-ductile RC frames.

No description available.

This study presents the nonlinear design of a state space controller to control hydraulic actuators under displacement control, specifically for real-time pseudo-dynamic testing applications. The proposed control design process uses the nonlinear state space model of the dynamics of the system to be controlled; and utilizes state feedback linearization through a transformation of the state variables. Comparisons of numerical simulation results for linear state-space and nonlinear state-space controllers are given. Also robustness of the control design with respect to identified parameters is investigated. It is shown that a controller with improved performance can be designed using nonlinear state space control design techniques, provided that a representative model of the system is available. / Structural Engineering

No description available.

Abstract : Steel and fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) materials have different mechanical and physical characteristics. High corrosion resistance, high strength to weight ratio, non-conductivity, favorable fatigue enable the FRP to be considered as alternative reinforcement for structures in harsh environment. Meanwhile, FRP bars have low modulus of elasticity and linear-elastic stress-strain curve. These features raise concerns about the applicability of using such materials as reinforcement for structures prone to earthquakes. The main demand for the structural members in structures subjected to seismic loads is dissipating energy without strength loss which is known as ductility. In the rigid frames, columns are expected to be the primary elements of energy dissipation in structures subjected to seismic loads. The present study addresses the feasibility of reinforced-concrete columns totally reinforced with glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) bars achieving reasonable strength and the drift requirements specified in various codes. Eleven full-scale reinforced concrete columns—two reinforced with steel bars (as reference specimens) and nine totally reinforced with GFRP bars—were constructed and tested to failure. The columns were tested under quasi-static reversed cyclic lateral loading and simultaneously subjected to compression axial load. The columns are 400 mm square cross-section with a shear span 1650 mm. The specimen simulates a column with 3.7 m in height in a typical building with the point of contra-flexure located at the column mid-height. The tested parameters were the longitudinal reinforcement ratio (0.63, 0.95 and 2.14), the spacing of the transverse stirrups (80, 100, 150), tie configuration (C1, C2, C3 and C4), and axial load level (20%, 30% and 40%). The test results clearly show that properly designed and detailed GFRP-reinforced concrete columns could reach high deformation levels with no strength degradation. An acceptable level of energy dissipation compared with steel-reinforced concrete columns is provided by GFRP reinforced concrete columns. The dissipated energy of GFRP reinforced concrete columns was 75% and 70% of the counter steel columns at 2.5% and 4% drift ratio respectively. High drift capacity achieved by the columns up to 10% with no significant loss in strength. The high drift capacity and acceptable dissipated energy enable the GFRP columns to be part of the moment resisting frames in regions prone to seismic activities. The experimental ultimate drift ratios were compared with the estimated drift ratios using the confinement Equation in CSA S806-12. It was found from the comparison that the confinement Equation underestimates values of the drift ratios thus the experimental drift ratios were used to modify transverse FRP reinforcement area in CSA S806-12. The hysteretic behavior encouraged to propose a design procedure for the columns to be part of the moderate ductile and ductile moment resisting frames. The development of design guidelines, however, depends on determining the elastic and inelastic deformations and on assessing the force modification factor and equivalent plastic-hinge length for GFRP-reinforced concrete columns. The experimental results of the GFRP-reinforced columns were used to justify the design guideline, proving the accuracy of the proposed design equations. / L’acier et les matériaux à base de polymères renforcés de fibres (PRF) ont des caractéristiques physiques et mécaniques différentes. La résistance à la haute corrosion, le rapport résistance vs poids, la non-conductivité et la bonne résistance à la fatigue font des barres d’armature en PRF, un renforcement alternatif aux barres d’armature en acier, pour des structures dans des environnements agressifs. Cependant, les barres d’armature en PRF ont un bas module d’élasticité et une courbe contrainte-déformation sous forme linéaire. Ces caractéristiques soulèvent des problèmes d'applicabilité quant à l’utilisation de tels matériaux comme renforcement pour des structures situées en forte zone sismique. La principale exigence pour les éléments structuraux des structures soumises à des charges sismiques est la dissipation d'énergie sans perte de résistance connue sous le nom de ductilité. Dans les structures rigides de type cadre, on s'attend à ce que les colonnes soient les premiers éléments à dissiper l'énergie dans les structures soumises à ces charges. La présente étude traite de la faisabilité des colonnes en béton armé entièrement renforcées de barres d’armature en polymères renforcés de fibres de verre (PRFV), obtenant une résistance et un déplacement latéral raisonnable par rapport aux exigences spécifiées dans divers codes. Onze colonnes à grande échelle ont été fabriquées: deux colonnes renforcées de barres d'acier (comme spécimens de référence) et neuf colonnes renforcées entièrement de barres en PRFV. Les colonnes ont été testées jusqu’à la rupture sous une charge quasi-statique latérale cyclique inversée et soumises simultanément à une charge axiale de compression. Les colonnes ont une section carrée de 400 mm avec une portée de cisaillement de 1650 mm pour simuler une colonne de 3,7 m de hauteur dans un bâtiment typique avec le point d’inflexion situé à la mi-hauteur. Les paramètres testés sont : le taux d’armature longitudinal (0,63%, 0,95% et 2,14 %), l'espacement des étriers (80mm, 100mm, 150 mm), les différentes configurations (C1, C2, C3 et C4) et le niveau de charge axiale (20%, 30 % et 40%). Les résultats des essais montrent clairement que les colonnes en béton renforcées de PRFV et bien conçues peuvent atteindre des niveaux de déformation élevés sans réduction de résistance. Un niveau acceptable de dissipation d'énergie, par rapport aux colonnes en béton armé avec de l’armature en acier, est atteint par les colonnes en béton armé de PRFV. L'énergie dissipée des colonnes en béton armé de PRFV était respectivement de 75% et 70% des colonnes en acier à un rapport déplacement latéral de 2,5% et 4%. Un déplacement supérieur a été atteint par les colonnes en PRFV jusqu'à 10% sans perte significative de résistance. La capacité d’un déplacement supérieur et l’énergie dissipée acceptable permettent aux colonnes en PRFV de participer au moment résistant dans des régions sujettes à des activités sismiques. Les rapports des déplacements expérimentaux ultimes ont été comparés avec les rapports estimés en utilisant l’Équation de confinement du code CSA S806-12. À partir de la comparaison, il a été trouvé que l’Équation de confinement sous-estime les valeurs des rapports de déplacement, donc les rapports de déplacement expérimentaux étaient utilisés pour modifier la zone de renforcement transversal du code CSA S806-12. Le comportement hystérétique encourage à proposer une procédure de conception pour que les colonnes fassent partie des cadres rigides à ductilité modérée et résistant au moment. Cependant, l'élaboration de guides de conception dépend de la détermination des déformations élastiques et inélastiques et de l'évaluation du facteur de modification de la force sismique et de la longueur de la rotule plastique pour les colonnes en béton armé renforcées de PRFV. Les résultats expérimentaux des colonnes renforcées de PRFV étudiées ont été utilisés pour justifier la ligne directrice de conception, ce qui prouve l’efficacité des équations de conception proposées.

Recent research interests in studying the performance of different seismic force resisting systems (SFRS) have been shifting from component- (individual walls) to system-level (complete building) studies. Although there is wealth of knowledge on component-level performance of reinforced masonry shear walls (RMSW) under seismic loading, a gap still exists in understanding the response of these components within a complete system. Consequently, this study’s main objective is to investigate the influence of the diaphragm’s out-of-plane stiffness on the seismic response of RMSW buildings. In addition, the study aims to synthesize how this influence can be implemented in different seismic design approaches and assessment frameworks. To meet these objectives a two-story scaled asymmetrical RMSW building was tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. The analysis of the test results showed that the floor diaphragms’ out-of-plane stiffness played an important role in flexurally coupling the RMSW aligned along the loading direction with those walls orthogonal to it. This system-level aspect affected not only the different wall strength and displacement demands but also the failure mechanism sequence and the building twist response. The results of the study also showed that neglecting diaphragm flexural coupling influence on the RMSW at the system-level may result in unconservative designs and possibly undesirable failure modes. To address these findings, an analytical model was developed that can account for the aforementioned influences, in which, simplified load-displacement relationships were developed to predict RMSW component- and system-level responses under lateral seismic loads. This model is expected to give better predictions of the system response which can be implemented, within the model limitations, in forced- and displacement-based seismic design approaches. In addition, and in order to adapt to the increasing interest in more resilient buildings, this study presents an approach to calculate the system robustness based on the experimental data. Finally, literature shows that the vast majority of the loss models available for RMSW systems were based on individual component testing and/or engineering judgment. Consequently, this study proposes system damage states in lieu of component damage states in order to enhance the prediction capabilities of such models. The current dissertation highlights the significant influence of the diaphragm out-of-plane stiffness on the system-level response that may alter the RMSW response to seismic events; an issue that need to be addressed in design codes and standards. / Dissertation / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)