Combining seismic retrofit with energy refurbishment for the sustainable renovation of RC buildings: a proof of concept

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated approach targeting sustainability, safety, and resilience is envisioned for the renovation of the post-World War II RC buildings clustered in urban outskirts. The solution stems as an enhancement of the widespread camouflage practice, which targets energy efficiency and architectural restyling by complementing the building with a technological double skin, self-supported on an independent exoskeleton. Based on this integrated approach, the exoskeleton can be further engineered to also enable structural safety and resilience. Life cycle thinking is addressed to re-conceive traditional structural design approaches, guaranteeing safety, while minimizing costs and environmental impacts over the building life cycle. Accurate selection of materials and dry technologies enables adaptability, reparability and maintenance, and total recyclability/reuse at end-of-life. The intervention is carried out from outside, avoiding relocation of the inhabitants and possible building downtime. The paper introduces a possible framework for engineers, technologists, and architects to design new holistic renovation interventions, for which innovative solution sets are required. Possible structural techniques to be coupled with energy refurbishment are proposed. As a proof of concept, the envisaged holistic renovation strategy is applied to a reference building, and benefits entailed in combining structural safety measures within an integrated intervention are commented.

Assessing Seismic Collapse Safety and Retrofitting Low-Ductility RC Frame Structures on the Basis of the Acceptable Collapse Safety Margin in China

“…2.3. Average Annual Collapse Probability-Based Collapse Safety Margin Ratio Equations (5) and (6) show that the average annual collapse probability and CMR are determined by the median seismic collapse intensityŜa,c, which is a representative of the average collapse resistance capacity of structures. Substituting the median earthquake intensity of collapseŜa,c = CMR•Sa, MCE into Equation (5) leads to the following relation between average annual collapse probability and CMR:…”

From the Efficiency of Nature to Parametric Design. A Holistic Approach for Sustainable Building Renovation in Seismic Regions

“…For these reasons, the model of the exoskeleton, besides offering a more effective anti-seismic solution is also a support for energy-efficient devices and, we would emphasize, a way redesign the architectural image of the building [17]. Furthermore, the external installation of an exoskeleton does not imply an interruption of the building's operation during the construction works, avoiding temporary relocating costs [18] and other inconveniences caused by large demolition activities, thus contributing to stimulating building owners to retrofit their buildings. As exoskeletons require less major structural intervention and reconstruction activities this is also in accordance with the principles of environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency.…”

Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Apartment Buildings through Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks Infill Walls

“…Other studies deepened the concept of the engineered double-skin façade [19], also including energy dissipation systems [20], while D'Urso and Cicero proposed diagrid exoskeletons as a chance to strengthen a structure by means of parametric design [21], mainly trying to achieve the often-neglected beauty of the final output in a usual retrofit design process. The main difference with the present paper is related to the realization of an additional structure that requires a significant quantity of material and additional external space for the installation; however, it should be noted that exoskeletons can be more effective, especially from the structural point of view, making possible the achievement of higher levels of seismic upgrading.…”