Earthquake performance analysis and strengthening applications of existing reinforced concrete buildings from Kirşehir provincial education directorate

The earthquakes that have occurred in our country in recent years have made it necessary to question the earthquake resistance of existing building stocks. Especially since a large part of Turkey is located on active fault lines, it has become inevitable to evaluate the performance of existing buildings and strengthen them in order to minimize the loss of life and property in the event of an earthquake. This study aims to show the interventions made to improve the earthquake performance of two reinforced concrete school buildings that needed strengthening as a result of the earthquake performance analysis, the steps followed during the interventions and the application stages in the field. The research examines the strengthening methods of two school buildings located in Kırşehir. First of all, the current status of these structures with different geometries was determined; detailed analyzes were carried out using STA4CAD software in line with ground survey studies, tests on samples taken and structural features. As a result of the evaluations made within the framework of the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBDY-2018), the performance levels of the buildings under possible earthquake scenarios were determined and it was determined that both structures needed to be strengthened. During the selection of reinforcement methods, critical parameters such as the benefit-cost ratio were taken into consideration, and a balance was tried to be achieved between economic efficiency and structural safety. Within the scope of the study, the effect of existing structural analysis assumptions on the results was revealed in detail; within this scope, the evaluations made were aimed to be guiding not only for the examined structures but also for public buildings with similar characteristics. This research aims not only to increase the safety of sample structures, but also to shed light on the evaluation of public buildings with similar characteristics, and to develop a sustainable reinforcement approach for local governments and engineers.