Dynamic Performance of Concrete Pool Before and After Retrofitting Process

Abstract

Earthquakes damage not only structures but also infrastructure and superstructure facilities. Therefore, the seismic performance of all structure types is of vital importance. It is known that seismic performance losses occur in various types of structures due to the earthquake effect. Various retrofitting methods are available for such structures to regain their former seismic performance. Appropriate retrofitting techniques should be applied according to the type of structure, its damage and the conditions of the region. In addition, the retrofitting process can be done to the entire structure or to some sections or parts of the structures. It is known that environmental and forced vibrations, especially in pools, increase the destructive effects by activating the water in the pool. In this type of situation, stiffness losses for pools increase even more. Their collapse becomes inevitable under the influence of the next forced and environmental vibrations. For this reason, this study focused on the technique of retrofitting concrete pools with UHPC (Ultra High Performance Concrete). A sample concrete pool model was created using the finite element method and modal analysis was performed. Then, the same model was retrofitted with UHPC and modal analysis was performed. When the results obtained were compared, it was seen that retrofitting with UHPC had a positive effect on the rigidity of the concrete pool. In light of all these findings, UHPC may be an option for retrofitting concrete pools.