Enhancing seismic performance in public school buildings of Türkiye: a comparative evaluation of fluid viscous dampers and shear walls

Seismic resilience of public-school buildings in Türkiye stands as a paramount concern due to the region's susceptibility to earthquakes. This study presents a comprehensive exploration of seismic retrofitting strategies, focusing on two primary approaches: the integration of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) and the addition of shear walls. Through a meticulous analysis of these techniques, this research seeks to enhance the seismic performance of public-school buildings, contributing to their safety and structural integrity during seismic events. The investigation commences with an examination of the inherent challenges posed by seismic forces on public school buildings. It underscores the critical need for robust seismic design strategies to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and infrastructure. Employing rigorous analytical methods, including equivalent force analysis, response spectrum analysis, and time history analysis, the thesis rigorously assesses the seismic response of representative public school building models. Through detailed comparisons, it elucidates the advantages and limitations of each retrofitting approach in terms of key parameters such as overturning moments, inter-story drift, story displacement, story accelerations, and story shear forces. Furthermore, the study explores the impact of both FVDs and shear walls on the mass participation ratio and natural periods of the structures. Addressing the challenges and potential solutions, the research discusses the optimal utilization of FVDs and shear walls in seismic design. It presents guidelines for the effective integration of these techniques while considering architectural and structural constraints. Moreover, the thesis reflects on the broader implications of its findings for the future seismic design of public-school buildings in Türkiye.