A novel framework based on Expected Annual Loss for optimizing seismic retrofitting in reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

The pressing necessity of enhancing the seismic safety of existing structures in earthquake-prone areas has led, in recent years, the research to propose a vast number of new retrofitting techniques. Though, the implementation of this intervention is associated with high costs, noticeable invasiveness, and signif-icant downtime. Currently, there are no formal methods to optimize these kinds of interventions thus, their design is entrusted only to engineers’ intuition. This paper presents a new genetic algorithm-based framework for the optimization of two different retrofitting techniques (FRP column wrapping and concentric steel bracings) that aims at minimizing costs considering indirectly the reduction of expected annual values.