Author(s)
Marc-Ansy Laguerre, Mohammad Salehi, Reginald DesRoches
Abstract
Haiti’s reinforced concrete (RC) building stock faces significant seismic vulnerabilities due to outdated construction practices, poor material quality, and the absence of seismic design standards. In response to the urgent need for seismic safety, a comprehensive numerical evaluation was conducted to investigate seismic retrofit design in Haiti using advanced finite element modelling tools.
The study focused on four typical Haitian RC building archetypes—one- and two-storey residential (R1 and R2), and two- and three-storey non-residential (NR2 and NR3)—to examine the seismic behaviour of existing structures. Key issues identified include insufficient reinforcement, weak columns, poor joint detailing, and low-strength concrete. These deficiencies contribute to excessive interstorey drift and early structural failure during earthquakes.
To address these concerns, five retrofit techniques were evaluated: RC jacketing, steel braces, buckling-restrained braces (BRBs), prestressed steel cables, and RC shear walls. The seismic retrofit of building frames was carried out through detailed continuum-based models using LS-DYNA, calibrated with experimental results, and validated macroscopic simulations in OpenSees. These models allowed for accurate analysis of structural performance under earthquake loading.
RC jacketing was the only retrofit applied across all archetypes and proved highly effective, significantly increasing shear strength and ductility. In residential models, combining steel braces with RC jackets reduced interstorey drift below life safety thresholds. For non-residential frames, BRBs paired with RC jacketing delivered the best performance, offering superior drift reduction without exceeding shear capacities.
The study underscores the importance of tailored retrofit solutions that consider Haiti’s economic constraints and construction capabilities. While some solutions like BRBs may not be financially viable for small-scale residential use, methods such as RC jacketing and steel bracing provide practical and effective alternatives.
By implementing these strategies, Haiti can enhance the earthquake resilience of its built environment. This numerical assessment offers engineers and policymakers a robust foundation for prioritising and executing cost-effective seismic retrofits, contributing to a safer future for Haitian communities.
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