Sensitivity analysis to determine seismic retrofitting column location in reinforced concrete buildings

Local school buildings are critical facilities that can provide shelter in disasters such as earthquakes, so they must be more resistant to seismic forces than other structures. In this study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine which columns-as the most critical members in a reinforced concrete building-most urgently require seismic retrofitting. The sensitivity analysis was conducted using an optimization technique with the location of each column as a parameter. A numerical model was developed to simulate a realistic collapse mode through a three-dimensional dynamic analysis. Based on numerical analysis results, it was found that the columns positioned in the lower floors, such as the first floor and in the outer part of a building, urgently require retrofitting. For reinforcement of the RC columns, which has been proven for its performance in previous research, was applied. Through this study, the importance of appropriate retrofitting is demonstrated. Further, a method for determining the appropriate location for retrofitting-when retrofitting is not possible on the entire structure-is presented.