Improving integration of seismic retrofit and architecture in unreinforced masonry buildings
Authors:   , Allaf Nabil 
Published: November 2021

<p>This thesis bridges architecture and seismic engineering. These two disciplines, despite being closely interrelated especially in earthquake-prone countries like New Zealand, often operate separately. This observation is particularly relevant when examining the integration of seismic retrofit and architecture. While technical solutions along with design methodologies and legislation have been continuously improved over the last decades, the relationship between architecture and seismic retrofit remains overlooked. An acknowledgment that architecture is a legitimate component of seismic retrofit design introduces the potential for retrofitted buildings to reach both adequate earthquake resistance and even have enhanced architecture quality. Some retrofit guidance documents draw attention to architecture, yet their approaches, commonly taking the form of guidelines or recommendations, focus on maintaining buildings' existing features. Little reflection on the integration of seismic retrofit and the architectural qualities of existing buildings is given. This leaves an unexplored area regarding the architectural impact seismic structure may have on existing buildings, whether negative, neutral, or positive. In this context, the thesis investigates the following question: How can the integration of seismic retrofit and architecture be improved? Such an inquiry requires an understanding of the practice of seismic retrofit through both structural engineering and architectural perspectives. To respond to the research question, the study utilises a qualitative research methodology using a multiple case study strategy. This includes the collection of building documentation, visits to selected seismically retrofitted unreinforced masonry buildings, and interviews with their architects and structural engineers. The thesis starts by reviewing the literature on the relationship between structure and architecture. Several authors emphasise how a structure's capacity to exceed its technical tasks by engaging with architecture can result in enriched projects. Following the transposition of generic relationships between structure and architecture into the context of seismic retrofit, the study explores the issue of integration in a 'real-life context' through five case studies. Each is investigated through the perspectives of architecture, seismic structure and design practice. The conditions and factors influencing integration are identified so awareness and recommendations can be made to introduce designers to new ways of approaching seismic retrofit design. The main conclusion of this research is that while integration between seismic retrofit and architecture can be improved, no standard solution applicable to all retrofit projects exists. Indeed, the thesis highlights the complexity of integration which is a combination of many variables. These variables include among others, time of involvement of the architect, type of seismic structure, and extent of interior refurbishment. Designers need to be aware of certain conditions and positive factors they can draw upon for successful integration as well as negative ones they should avoid.</p>