Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings

Abstract

• Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings presents the latest generation of performance-based seismic rehabilitation methodology. This new national consensus standard was developed from the FEMA 356, Prestandard and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings. This standard represents state-of-the-art knowledge in earthquake engineering and is a valuable tool for the structural engineering profession to improve building performance in future earthquakes. It includes significant improvements in current understanding of building behavior in earthquakes, such as improved C-coefficients for calculation of the pseudo-lateral force and target displacement based on recommendations in FEMA 440; comprehensive soil-structure interaction provisions, including kinematic effects and foundation damping effects; revised acceptance criteria for steel moment frames to reflect final conclusions of the SAC Joint Venture research; expanded acceptance criteria for concentrically braced frames defined as a function of brace slenderness, compactness, and level of connection detailing; and updated nonstructural provisions to be consistent with current NEHRP Provisions for new buildings.

  ASCE/SEI Standard 41-06 is a valuable tool for structural engineers and the public for improving seismic performance of existing buildings.