Seismic Vulnerability Assessment And Evaluation of the Cost Effectiveness of Retrofitting Technique Rather Than Reconstruction of RCC Buildings Using ETABS

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of seismic events have raised significant concerns about the structural safety of existing reinforced concrete (RCC) buildings, particularly in developing regions. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the seismic vulnerability of such structures and investigates the cost-effectiveness of the retrofitting technique (Column Jacketing Method) as an alternative to the complete reconstruction of any endangered RCC building. The vulnerable columns are retrofitted by the Column Jacketing Method using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and analyzed in ETABS following BNBC 2020. The results reveal that well-planned retrofitting can substantially improve structural performance while reducing financial and environmental burdens associated with demolition and new construction. This research supports retrofitting as a technically durable and economically rational approach for enhancing the seismic resilience of existing RCC buildings.