Design
Design
Feature
Strengthening
concrete and masonry structures
by Ing. Ph.D. Paolo Casadei
Recent seismic events in Italy, starting from the earthquake of l’Aquila in 2009, then the Emilia earth-
quake in 2012, and the most recent ones that happened in central Italy, have shown the vulnerability
of masonry as well as of reinforced concrete structures. Most of the existing building inventory in
Europe was designed according to building codes and guidelines that did not take into account seis-
mic loads, and when they eventually did, the knowledge towards seismic loads showed how existing
codes were still too conservative. Taking into account the factor that most existing structures have
not undertaken any major refurbishment since they were built will further bring to light the day-to-
day risks we all undergo, wherever we may be.
DESIGN&BUILD
Q1, 2017
43