Innovative EC8-compliant solutions for selection of the optimum retrofitting scheme of buildings with special characteristics

This article presents the seismic assessment and retrofit design of an existing old building in Greece great regional importance. The Building is “Administration Kalamata” located city Kalamata, capital Messinia Prefecture. Building, largest city, a seven-floor reinforced concrete (r/c) structure with basement built 1974. procedure based on provisions EN 1998-3 code Greek for structural interventions “KAN.EPE.,” introducing several novelties that give solutions to difficult practical problems respect modeling, analysis methods, performance evaluation framework. details Building’s description analyses, corresponding results, as well most efficient retrofitting schemes fulfill safety demands (i.e. level B or “Life safety” C “Collapse prevention” according KAN.EPE.), considering cost minimal disturbance both superstructure foundation interventions. While various intervention solutions, it proceeds new simplified ways optimize proposed solution. As such, can be used paradigm finding clever, practical, at same time economical solutions. An interesting characteristic has been strengthened already after damaging earthquake 1986, but usage requirements raised questions about adequacy earlier strengthening. Last, not least, must mentioned this unique sense main record (a strong motion accelerogram) obtained during 1986 Kalamata was its basement. also assessment.