What are the best ways to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications?

1 Add dampers

One of the best ways to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications is to add dampers to your building. Dampers are devices that absorb and dissipate the energy of seismic vibrations, reducing the stress and deformation of the structure. Dampers can be installed in various locations, such as between floors, columns, beams, or braces, depending on the configuration and needs of your building. Dampers can be passive, active, or semi-active, depending on how they are controlled and activated. Dampers can reduce the seismic demand on your structure, increase its ductility and stability, and protect its non-structural components.

2 Strengthen connections

Another way to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications is to strengthen the connections between the structural elements of your building. Connections are critical for transferring the forces and displacements from one element to another, and ensuring the integrity and continuity of the structure. However, connections can also be weak points that can fail or deteriorate under seismic loading, compromising the performance and safety of the building. To strengthen the connections, you can use various methods, such as bolting, welding, grouting, or epoxying, depending on the type and material of the connection. Strengthening the connections can improve the stiffness and strength of your structure, prevent joint failures and separations, and enhance its load distribution and resistance.

4 Retrofit walls

A fourth way to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications is to retrofit the walls of your building. Walls are essential for providing lateral support and stiffness to the structure, as well as enclosing the spaces and functions of the building. However, walls can also be vulnerable to cracking, buckling, or collapsing under seismic loading, especially if they are made of brittle or low-quality materials, or have inadequate reinforcement or anchorage. To retrofit the walls, you can use various techniques, such as adding steel plates, fiber-reinforced polymers, or shotcrete, depending on the condition and geometry of the walls. Retrofitting the walls can increase the ductility and toughness of your structure, prevent out-of-plane failures and damage, and improve its energy dissipation and deformation capacity.

5 Upgrade foundations

A fifth way to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications is to upgrade the foundations of your building. Foundations are the base of the structure, and they transfer the loads and reactions from the building to the soil. However, foundations can also be affected by seismic loading, especially if they are shallow, weak, or poorly designed. Seismic forces can cause foundations to settle, tilt, or slide, affecting the stability and alignment of the building. To upgrade the foundations, you can use various methods, such as underpinning, micropiling, or soil improvement, depending on the type and depth of the foundation. Upgrading the foundations can enhance the bearing capacity and stiffness of your structure, prevent differential settlement and liquefaction, and increase its resilience and durability.

6 Monitor performance

A sixth way to improve seismic performance without major structural modifications is to monitor the performance of your building. Monitoring is a process of collecting and analyzing data on the behavior and condition of the structure, using sensors, instruments, or software. Monitoring can help you to assess the seismic vulnerability and risk of your building, identify the potential problems and defects, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your interventions. Monitoring can also provide you with valuable information and feedback for improving your design and maintenance practices, and for preparing and responding to future seismic events. Monitoring can improve the reliability and safety of your structure, optimize its performance and functionality, and reduce its life-cycle costs.