Seismic vulnerability of pre-code reinforced concrete shear wall buildings in Romania

Prior to 1963, when the first earthquake design code was implemented in Romania, mid height (over 8 storeys) shear wall buildings were already being built in some of the major cities. These buildings have important structural weaknesses when assessed using the current regulations. An 11 storeys residential building in Bucharest built in 1962 is analysed. Results show that the building is extremely vulnerable on the longitudinal direction, where the lateral resisting system is composed by only two shear walls. If bending capacity is lacking mainly at the base of the building, shear strength deficiencies are present over the entire height of the building, due to a lack of shear reinforcement in the walls. An analysis of several possible strengthening solutions is made, and conclusions are drawn regarding the feasibility of these solutions. (paper)