Energetic and Structural Retrofit of Existing RC Buildings through Precast Concrete Panels: Proposal of a New Technology and Explorative Performance Simulation
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 29, Issue 1
Abstract
In this paper, we present a proposal for a retrofit system for existing reinforced-concrete (RC) buildings consisting in the use of precast concrete panels, designed for improving both the structural and energetic performance. In particular, the proposed system is conceived to improve both the energetic efficiency, by ensuring high-performance thermal insulation, and the capacity of the structural elements under gravity and seismic loads. Firstly, a detailed description of the proposed technology is provided, which has been tested and assessed on a real-scale prototype. Then, the efficiency of the technique was explored by means of numerical simulations for both the energetic and structural performance. Although no experimental tests are available, the results of our numerical simulations and analyses on a real case-study building reveal interesting insights, highlighting the main pros and cons of the proposal and providing a possible retrofit solution for buildings that do not meet the current European code requirements.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
Aguerre, J. A., T. Konstantinou, T. Klein, S. Steensma, O. G. Santin, and S. Silvester. 2017. “Investigating the business case for a zero-energy refurbishment of residential buildings by applying a pre-fabricated façade module.” In European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy 2017 Summer Study on Energy Efficiency: Consumption, Efficiency and Limits, 1113–1122. Strasbourg, France: ECEEE.
Akin, A., and R. Sezer. 2016. “A study on strengthening of reinforced concrete frames using precast concrete panels.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 20 (6): 2439–2446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-016-0188-z.
Artino, A., G. Evola, G. Margani, and E. M. Marino. 2019. “Seismic and energy retrofit of apartment buildings through autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks infill walls.” Sustainability 11 (14): 3939. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11143939.
Asteris, P. G., S. T. Antoniou, D. S. Sophianopoulos, and C. Z. Chrysostomou. 2011. “Mathematical macromodeling of infilled frames: State of the art.” J. Struct. Eng. 137 (12): 1508–1517. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000384.
Baran, M., D. Okuyucu, M. Susoy, and T. Tankut. 2011. “Seismic strengthening of reinforced concrete frames by precast concrete panels.” Mag. Concr. Res. 63 (5): 321–332. https://doi.org/10.1680/macr.10.00030.
Baran, M., and T. Tankut. 2011. “Retrofit of non-ductile RC frames with precast concrete (PC) wall panels.” Adv. Struct. Eng. 14 (6): 1149–1166. https://doi.org/10.1260/1369-4332.14.6.1149.
Basha, S. H., and H. B. Kaushik. 2019. “Investigation on improving the shear behavior of columns in masonry infilled RC frames under lateral loads.” Bull. Earthquake Eng. 17 (7): 3995–4026. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-019-00622-3.
Belleri, A., and A. Marini. 2016. “Does seismic risk affect the environmental impact of existing buildings?” Energy Build. 110: 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.10.048.
Borodinecs, A., J. Zemitis, M. Dobelis, and M. Kalinka. 2018. “3D scanning data use for modular building renovation based on BIM model.” In Vol. 251 of MATEC Web of Conf. Les Ulis, France: EDP Sciences.
Borodinecs, A., J. Zemitis, M. Dobelis, M. Kalinka, and A. Geikins. 2017. “Development of prefabricated modular retrofitting solution for post-World War II buildings.” In Vol. 10 of Proc., Int. Conf. on Environmental Engineering, pp. 1–8. Vilnius, Lithuania: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Dept. of Construction Economics & Property.
Bournas, D. A. 2018. “Concurrent seismic and energy retrofitting of RC and masonry building envelopes using inorganic textile-based composites combined with insulation materials: A new concept.” Composites, Part B 148: 166–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.04.002.
CEN (European Committee for Standardization). 2004. Design of steel structures. Eurocode 3. Brussels, Belgium: CEN.
Choi, S. H., J. H. Hwang, S. J. Han, H. E. Joo, H. D. Yun, and K. S. Kim. 2020. “Seismic performance assessments of RC frame structures strengthened by external precast wall panel.” Appl. Sci. 10 (5): 1749. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10051749.
Choi, S. H., J. H. Hwang, D. H. Lee, K. S. Kim, D. Zhang, and J. R. Kim. 2018. “Experimental study on RC frame structures strengthened by externally-anchored PC wall panels.” Comput. Concr. 22 (4): 383–393.
COMSOL. 2018. COMSOL multiphysics® v. 5.6. Stockholm, Sweden: COMSOL AB.
CSI (Computers and Structures Inc.). 2021. Analysis reference manual. CSI SAP2000. Berkeley, CA: CSI.
D’Angola, A., V. Manfredi, A. Masi, and M. Mecca. 2019. “Energy and seismic rehabilitation of RC buildings through an integrated approach: An application case study.” In Green energy advances, edited by D. Enescu. London: IntechOpen.
Del Gaudio, C., M. Di Ludovico, M. Polese, G. Manfredi, A. Prota, P. Ricci, and G. M. Verderame. 2020. “Seismic fragility for Italian RC buildings based on damage data of the last 50 years.” Bull. Earthquake Eng. 18 (5): 2023–2059. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-019-00762-6.
Della Corte, G., L. Fiorino, and F. M. Mazzolani. 2008. “Lateral-loading tests on a real RC building including masonry infill panels with and without FRP strengthening.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 20 (6): 419–431. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2008)20:6(419).
De Risi, M. T., A. Furtado, H. Rodrigues, J. Melo, G. M. Verderame, A. António, H. Varum, and G. Manfredi. 2020. “Experimental analysis of strengthening solutions for the out-of-plane collapse of masonry infills in RC structures through textile reinforced mortars.” Eng. Struct. 207: 110203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.110203.
Di Domenico, M., P. Ricci, and G. M. Verderame. 2019. “Experimental assessment of the out-of-plane strength of URM infill walls with different slenderness and boundary conditions.” Bull. Earthquake Eng. 17 (7): 3959–3993. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-019-00604-5.
Di Perna, C., F. Stazi, A. U. Casalena, and A. Stazi. 2008. Massa e comfort: Necessità di una adeguata capacità termica areica interna periodica. Faenza, Italy: Industria dei laterizi.
Dobelis, M., M. Kalinka, and A. Borodinecs. 2016. “The capture of BIM compatible 3D building model from laser scanner data.” In Proc., 17th Int. Conf. on Geometry and Graphics, 4–8. Montreal: International Society for Geometry and Graphics (ISGG).
Dolce, M., E. Speranza, F. Giordano, B. Borzi, F. Bocchi, C. Conte, A. Di Meo, M. Faravelli, and V. Pascale. 2019. “Observed damage database of past Italian earthquakes: The Da.D.O. WebGIS.” Boll. Geofis. Teorica Appl. 60 (2): 141–164.
Dolšek, M., and P. Fajfar. 2001. “Soft storey effects in uniformly infilled reinforced concrete frames.” J. Earthquake Eng. 5 (1): 1–12.
EC (European Commission). 2014. Energy performance of buildings. Brussels, Belgium: EC.
EC (European Commission). 2019. Energy efficiency first: Accelerating towards a 2030 objective of 32.5%. Accessed December 4, 2021. https:// ec.europa.eu/info/news/energy-efficiency-first-accelerating-towards-2030-objective-2019-sep-25_en.
El-Dakhakhni, W. W., M. Elgaaly, and A. A. Hamid. 2003. “Three-strut model for concrete masonry-infilled steel frames.” J. Struct. Eng. 129 (2): 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2003)129:2(177).
Fumo, M., A. Formisano, G. Sibilio, and A. Violano. 2018. “Energy and seismic recovering of ancient hamlets: The case of Baia e Latina.” Sustainability 10 (8): 2831. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082831.
Furtado, A., and M. T. de Risi. 2020. “Recent findings and open issues concerning the seismic behaviour of masonry infill walls in RC buildings.” Adv. Civ. Eng. 2020: 9261716.
Garay, R., B. Arregi, and P. Elguezabal. 2017. “Experimental thermal performance assessment of a prefabricated external insulation system for building retrofitting.” Procedia Environ. Sci. 38: 155–161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2017.03.097.
Ha, S. K., S. Y. Yu, and J. S. Kim. 2018. “Experimental study on existing reinforced concrete frames strengthened by L-type precast concrete wall panels to earthquake-proof buildings.” KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 22 (9): 3579–3591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-018-1197-x.
IEA (International Energy Agency). 2011. Prefabricated systems for low energy renovation of residential buildings retrofit module design guide. Paris: IEA Programme for Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community.
Iervolino, I., C. Galasso, and E. Cosenza. 2010. “REXEL: Computer aided record selection for code-based seismic structural analysis.” Bull. Earthquake Eng. 8 (2): 339–362. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-009-9146-1.
ISO. 2013. Hygrothermal performance of building components and building elements –– Internal surface temperature to avoid critical surface humidity and interstitial condensation –– Calculation methods. EN ISO 13788. Geneva: ISO.
ISO. 2018a. Building components and building elements –– Thermal resistance and thermal transmittance –– Calculation methods. EN ISO 6946. Geneva: ISO.
ISO. 2018b. Thermal performance of building components –– Dynamic thermal characteristics –– Calculation methods. EN ISO 13786. Geneva: ISO.
ISTAT. 2011. “15° Censimento generale della popolazione e delle abitazioni.” Istituto Nazionale di Statistica. [In Italian.] Accessed November 29, 2020. https://www.istat.it/.
Ju, R. S., H. J. Lee, C. C. Chen, and C. C. Tao. 2012. “Experimental study on separating reinforced concrete infill walls from steel moment frames.” J. Constr. Steel Res. 71: 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcsr.2011.10.004.
Kaushik, H. B., D. C. Rai, and S. K. Jain. 2007. “Stress–strain characteristics of clay brick masonry under uniaxial compression.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 19 (9): 728–739. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2007)19:9(728).
Kaya, F., H. Tekeli, and Ö Anil. 2018. “Experimental behavior of strengthening of masonry infilled reinforced concrete frames by adding rebar-reinforced stucco.” Struct. Concr. 19 (6): 1792–1805. https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.201700210.
Konstantinou, T., O. Guerra-Santin, J. Azcarate-Aguerre, T. Klein, and S. Silvester. 2017. “A zero-energy refurbishment solution for residential apartment buildings by applying an integrated, prefabricated façade module.” In Proc., PowerSkin Conf., 231–240. Delft, Netherlands: Delft University of Technology.
Koutas, L., A. Pitytzogia, T. C. Triantafillou, and S. N. Bousias. 2014. “Strengthening of infilled reinforced concrete frames with TRM: Study on the development and testing of textile-based anchors.” J. Compos. Constr. 18 (3): A4013015. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000390.
Kyriakides, M. A., and S. L. Billington. 2014. “Cyclic response of nonductile reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced masonry infills retrofitted with engineered cementitious composites.” J. Struct. Eng. 140 (2): 04013046. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0000833.
Lin, K., Y. Z. Totoev, H. Liu, and T. Guo. 2016. “In-plane behaviour of a reinforcement concrete frame with a dry stack masonry panel.” Materials 9 (2): 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma9020108.
Mander, J. B., M. J. Priestley, and R. Park. 1988. “Theoretical stress–strain model for confined concrete.” J. Struct. Eng. 114 (8): 1804–1826. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1988)114:8(1804).
Manfredi, V., and A. Masi. 2018. “Seismic strengthening and energy efficiency: Towards an integrated approach for the rehabilitation of existing RC buildings.” Buildings 8 (3): 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings8030036.
Marini, A., C. Passoni, A. Belleri, F. Feroldi, M. Preti, G. Metelli, and G. Plizzari. 2022. “Combining seismic retrofit with energy refurbishment for the sustainable renovation of RC buildings: A proof of concept.” Eur. J. Environ. Civ. Eng. 26 (7): 2475–2495.
Martiradonna, S. 2021. “Intelligent precast construction systems: Project, realization, maintenance technology for the optimization of the environment and economic sustainability.” Ph.D. thesis. Dept. of DICATECH, Polytechnic Univ. of Bari.
Martiradonna, S., F. Fatiguso, and I. Lombillo. 2020. “Thermal improvements of existing reinforced concrete buildings by an innovative precast concrete panel system.” In Colloqui. AT. e 2020, New Horizons for Sustainable Architecture. Catania: New Horizons for Sustainable Architecture.
Masera, G., and E. Seghezzi. 2015. “Building retrofit through prefabricated panels: An overview on the state of the art.” In Proc., 3rd Int. Congress on Construction and Building Researc––COINVEDI, 241–242. Madrid, Spain: Escuela Técnica Superior de Edificación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
Miloni, R., N. Grischott, and M. Zimmermann. 2011. Building renovation case studies. IEA ECBCS No. Annex 50. Geneva: IEA.
MIT (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti). 2015. Adeguamento linee guida nazionali per la certificazione energetica degli edifici. [In Italian.] DM 26/06/2015. Rome: MIT.
MIT (Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti). 2018. Aggiornamento delle Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni. [In Italian.] Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 42. DM 17/01/2018. Rome: MIT.
Mondal, G., and S. K. Jain. 2008. “Lateral stiffness of masonry infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames with central opening.” Earthquake Spectra 24 (3): 701–723. https://doi.org/10.1193/1.2942376.
Morandi, P., R. R. Milanesi, and G. Magenes. 2018. “Innovative solution for seismic-resistant masonry infills with sliding joints: In-plane experimental performance.” Eng. Struct. 176: 719–733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.09.018.
Negro, P., and A. Colombo. 1997. “Irregularities induced by nonstructural masonry panels in framed buildings.” Eng. Struct. 19 (7): 576–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0296(96)00115-0.
Ozturkoglu, O., T. Ucar, and Y. Yesilce. 2017. “Effect of masonry infill walls with openings on nonlinear response of reinforced concrete frames.” Earthquakes Struct. 12 (3): 333–347. https://doi.org/10.12989/eas.2017.12.3.333.
Panagiotakos, T. B., and M. N. Fardis. 1996. “Seismic response of infilled RC frames structures.” In Proc., 11th World Conf. on Earthquake Engineering. Oxford: Pergamon.
Pasca, M., and L. Liberatore. 2015. “Predicting models for the evaluation of out-of-plane ultimate load carrying capacity of masonry infill walls.” WIT Trans. Built Environ. 152: 83–94. https://doi.org/10.2495/ERES150071.
Pihelo, P., T. Kalamees, and K. Kuusk. 2017. “nZEB renovation with prefabricated modular panels.” Energy Procedia 132: 1006–1011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.09.708.
Pittau, F., L. E. Malighetti, G. Iannaccone, and G. Masera. 2017. “Prefabrication as large-scale efficient strategy for the energy retrofit of the housing stock: An Italian case study.” Procedia Eng. 180: 1160–1169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.04.276.
Pohoryles, D. A., C. Maduta, D. A. Bournas, and L. A. Kouris. 2020. “Energy performance of existing residential buildings in Europe: A novel approach combining energy with seismic retrofitting.” Energy Build. 223: 110024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110024.
Porco, F., A. Fiore, G. Uva, and D. Raffaele. 2015. “The influence of infilled panels in retrofitting interventions of existing reinforced concrete buildings: A case study.” Struct. Infrastruct. Eng. 11 (2): 162–175. https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2013.862726.
Preti, M., N. Bettini, and G. Plizzari. 2012. “Infill walls with sliding joints to limit infill-frame seismic interaction: Large-scale experimental test.” J. Earthquake Eng. 16 (1): 125–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2011.579815.
Regione Abruzzo. 2022. “Abruzzi Region price list of building works and interventions.”Accessed August 15, 2022. https://www.regione.abruzzo.it/content/nuovo-prezzario-regionale.
Ricci, P., M. Di Domenico, and G. M. Verderame. 2018. “Empirical-based out-of-plane URM infill wall model accounting for the interaction with in-plane demand.” Earthquake Eng. Struct. Dyn. 47 (3): 802–827. https://doi.org/10.1002/eqe.2992.
Ruggieri, S., F. Porco, G. Uva, and D. Vamvatsikos. 2021. “Two frugal options to assess class fragility and seismic safety for low-rise reinforced concrete school buildings in Southern Italy.” Bull. Earthquake Eng. 19 (3): 1415–1439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-020-01033-5.
Ruggieri, S., and G. Uva. 2020. “Accounting for the spatial variability of seismic motion in the pushover analysis of regular and irregular RC buildings in the new Italian building code.” Buildings 10 (10): 177. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings10100177.
Shing, P. B., and A. B. Mehrabi. 2002. “Behaviour and analysis of masonry-infilled frames.” Prog. Struct. Mater. Eng. 4 (3): 320–331. https://doi.org/10.1002/pse.122.
Silva, P. C., M. Almeida, L. Bragança, and V. Mesquita. 2013. “Development of prefabricated retrofit module towards nearly zero energy buildings.” Energy Build. 56: 115–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2012.09.034.
Silvester, S., et al. 2016. 2nd SKIN zero energy apartment renovation via an integrated façade approach. Final Public Rep. Project within the subsidy program Energy & Innovation. Reference No. TKI/ENERGO TEGB 113029. Delft, Netherlands: Technical Univ.
Tsantilis, A. V., and T. C. Triantafillou. 2018. “Innovative seismic isolation of masonry infills using cellular materials at the interface with the surrounding RC frames.” Eng. Struct. 155: 279–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.11.025.
Ursini Casalena, A. 2018. “Trasmittanza Termica Periodica: Foglio di Calcolo Excel UNI 13786 per Calcolare le Proprietà Termiche Dinamiche di un Componente Edilizio.” Accessed November 29, 2020. www.mygreenbuildings.org.
Uva, G., D. Raffaele, F. Porco, and A. Fiore. 2012. “On the role of equivalent strut models in the seismic assessment of infilled RC buildings.” Eng. Struct. 42: 83–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2012.04.005.
Valluzzi, M. R., F. Da Porto, E. Garbin, and M. Panizza. 2014. “Out-of-plane behaviour of infill masonry panels strengthened with composite materials.” Mater. Struct. 47 (12): 2131–2145. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0384-6.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 29 • Issue 1 • March 2023
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 21, 2022
Accepted: Oct 25, 2022
Published online: Dec 16, 2022
Published in print: Mar 1, 2023
Discussion open until: May 16, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.