A stochastic approach for historic RC structures strengthened by ties to prevent seismic progressive collapse

Abstract

Historic old existing industrial reinforced concrete (RC) structures are often subjected to removal of structural elements due to degradation caused by environmental effects. So they are in a risk of seismic progressive collapse. In order to prevent this risk, a strengthening by cable elements (tension-ties) can be used. The probabilistic analysis of such RC structures under critical seismic loading is herein numerically investigated. The unilateral behavior of the cable-elements, which can undertake tension stresses only, is strictly taken into account. Attention is given to uncertainties concerning structural input parameters, common for such old RC structures belonging to built Cultural Heritage. For their treatment, Monte Carlo techniques are applied. The proposed methodology is explained in a numerical example.