Sustainable seismic design and health monitoring

Abstract

Structural health monitoring and natural control (SHMC) for post‐earthquake realignment and repairs (PERR) are one of the most challenging issues facing earthquake engineers worldwide. Currently, neither SHMC nor PERR are parts of contemporary curricula and codes of practice. SHMC aims to help achieve a viable degree of structural sustainability (SS) under predictable environmental conditions. In the present context, SHMC refers to the effort that aims at achieving structural operability before, during, and after severe earthquakes. SHMC is generally associated with the use of piezoelectric sensors and similar devices to measure changes in stresses and strains and detect flaws within the elements of engineering structures. Regardless of the effectiveness of the SHMC systems, no structure can lend itself well to PERR unless it has been designed specifically for the purpose; otherwise, it would be disposable with no gains from the SHMC effort. A seismically sustainable structure can prevent actual collapse, overcome residual effects, and lend itself well to PERR. The purpose of the current article is to introduce a practical basis for efficient use of SHMC concepts in multi‐objective earthquake resisting structures (ERSs). Replaceable energy dissipating moment connections (REDMC), rigid rocking cores (RRCs), high strength tendons, and support level grade beams have been introduced as instruments of natural structural control. The use of monitoring devices has been extended to the evaluation of the effects of formations or elimination of plastic hinges and the variations of the global drift of the system.