Comparative Study on Seismic Performance of Existing Building with and without Retrofitting Using Lateral Load Resisting Systems

Due to the lack of awareness and practice of implementing earthquake resistant structures in the past, a huge number of buildings today do not comply with the existing/updated seismic codes in India. This issue is predominant in existing residential buildings which involves a high probability of loss of lives. The increase in population and clustered city areas make code non-compliance dangerous and risky especially in the Northern and North Eastern regions which come under seismic zones IV and V. Retrofitting strategies are thus an important aspect of building and life safety. This study involved the seismic performance of an adapted existing residential building taken in the North-East region. The seismic response analysis of the RC building was studied in terms of peak responses (deflection). The performance of the building was based on response spectrum and time history analysis. The main objective of this study is to provide a comparison between the most commonly used retrofit strategies – shear wall, bracings and viscous dampers. The responses of the building with the mentioned strategies and their varied configurations were modelled and analysed through ETABS software. This study outlined the feasibility of each retrofit strategy based on the optimum configuration for deflection control and basic cost estimate.