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Recent studies have focused on identifying the optimal seismic and energy upgrading interventions, among different alternatives, for poorly performing existing buildings. Most of such studies use detailed methodologies to assess the seismic and energy performance of buildings, which are time and computationally demanding, making it nearly unfeasible for practitioners and decision-makers to use them, rendering practice-oriented approaches extremely needed. To overcome the current limitations of more research-oriented methods, this study employs different available simplified approaches, namely SPO2FRAG, cloud-based capacity spectrum method and the Italian seismic risk classification guidelines (Sismabonus), to estimate some of the variables considered when using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to select the optimal combined retrofitting strategy, among a set of different options. To this end, a case-study school building was selected and four seismic retrofitting solutions, combined with three energy-based interventions, were identified. The performance of the building, in its as-built and retrofitted conditions, was analysed considering both simplified and detailed approaches for the estimation of two of the seismic-related variables, namely annual probability of failure and expected annual losses. Such simplified and refined estimates were used as MCDM input, comparing the ranking of retrofitting combined alternatives obtained in both cases, demonstrating the suitability of the proposed simplified methodology for engineering practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents research concerning the numerical simulation of existing masonry buildings when subjected to pushover analysis. A nonlinear static analysis is undertaken using the commercial software ABAQUS standard, in which masonry structures are modelled using damage mechanics. To validate the chosen input parameters, this study compares two different approaches for static nonlinear modelling, the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Equivalent Frame Method (EFM), for a simple masonry building. The two methods are compared using the guidelines from Part 3 of Eurocode 8. This study identifies the advantages and disadvantages of various modelling approaches based on the results obtained. The results are also compared in terms of capacity curves and damage distributions for the simple case study of a masonry building created to compare numerical methods. Subsequently, nonlinear pushover analyses with ABAQUS (FEM) were performed on the North Tower of Monserrate Palace, Portugal, in which the material parameters were calibrated by considering the results of dynamic characterisation tests conducted in-situ. Regarding the circular body of Monserrate Palace, the damage distribution of the structure is analysed in detail, aiming to contribute to the modelling of such structural configurations through the Equivalent Frame Method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large share of the reinforced concrete (RC) building stock in Mediterranean countries faces a dual challenge of seismic vulnerability and energy inefficiency, calling for urgent renovation efforts. While energy upgrades have been the focus of previous renovation policies, recent research highlights the critical need for integrated retrofitting solutions that address both structural integrity and energy performance. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches are a promising tool for optimizing the combined choice of these integrated interventions, considering various decision variables (DVs) of economic, social, environmental, and technical nature. To understand the impact of climate and seismic hazard conditions on multi-criteria-based retrofitting assessment, a case-study RC school building is selected and assumed to be located in three distinct climate conditions, cold, mild, and warm, and three seismic hazard levels, low, medium and high. Moreover, given the complexity and challenges of quantifying seismic performance metrics for practitioners, an available simplified (practice-oriented) approach is compared herein with a more thorough research-based one for quantifying the seismic performance of RC buildings within the MCDM framework. Both approaches are applied to the case-study building, considering twelve possible combinations of energy and seismic interventions. The accuracy of the practice-oriented approach and its impact on the retrofitting rankings is evaluated, emphasizing the importance of accessible and efficient evaluation methods in facilitating informed decision-making for building renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]