Investigation of 3D laser scanning and building information modeling technology usage for performance analysis and retrofitting of existing structures with samples

Earthquakes are natural hazards with a high potential to evolve into disasters, particularly in urban environments. This reality has underscored the importance of rapidly and accurately assessing the existing building stock using contemporary technologies and conducting seismic risk analyses. The devastating earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş referred to as the disaster of the century caused varying degrees of damage (minor, moderate, and severe) to numerous structures with different functional classifications and structural systems. These events have once again highlighted the urgent need to evaluate the existing building stock using up to date and precise technological methods. According to the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (TBEC 2018), performance assessments can be conducted for reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, and prefabricated structures. The scope of the existing building stock requiring evaluation is extensive. To ensure the accuracy of these assessments, the modeling phase must be completed with high precision, and the analyses must reflect the actual conditions of the structure under anticipated seismic effects. Prior to seismic risk analysis, obtaining a highly accurate model of the existing structure is critical for the reliability of the results. In this context, 3D Laser Scanning technology has emerged in the literature as a cutting-edge approach. However, its application in seismic risk analysis of the structures remains limited. Currently, this technology is predominantly used in the documentation of historical buildings. The thesis study details the entire workflow from processing point cloud data obtained via 3D Laser Scanning to generate structural analysis models for sample reinforced concrete, steel, prefabricated, and masonry buildings. To minimize errors and enhance efficiency, recommendations based on Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools have been proposed. The primary objective of this research is to contribute to field applications and academic studies by enabling rapid and precise seismic risk assessments of existing structures through the integration of BIM tools with 3D Laser Scanning technology, and by identifying structural deficiencies that compromise the static reliability of buildings.