Assessment of an existing structure by advanced analysis and partial factor methods for existing structures according to fib bulletin 80

The design of buildings is carried out by engineers and can therefore, unfortunately, also be subject to human error. Such (serious) deficiencies can be discovered during construction, during the life span of a building or during major structural interventions, for example, in the context of redevelopment. The impact of such discoveries is felt on an economic, ecological and social level. Budgets cannot be maintained, materials are wasted or at least added to, and the users of buildings are left destitute from their homes or workplaces. Using a real-life example studied in 2020, this paper shows the mathematical possibilities of still being able to assess the structural safety and reliability of a building with minimal interventions. Main goal of this study is to avoid impropriate costs, material use and to limit the out-of-service time of the construction or site which has an impact on all aspects in the building process and beyond. The target reliability levels, the preliminary laboratory and in site measurements, the advanced analysis used in ambient and fire conditions are discussed together with a monitoring program which was set up. Results of this monitoring program will be shown together with an interpretation of the results and the importance of the boundary conditions. Finally, a short cost comparison and the time difference between a rather classical reinforcement (by the aid of external CFRC) and the finally retained solution is presented.

ISBN:978-2-940643-15-8

Publication year:2022

Accessibility:Closed