Murat Saatcioglu

• University of Ottawa

Base isolation technology has significantly advanced infrastructure protection against moderate and severe seismic activities. Consequently, it gained considerable attention over the past with new systems and approaches developed to improve its applications. Nevertheless, the literature still lacks a new literature review paper that summarizes and...

This paper presents a summary of experimental research on the performance of blast-resistant window anchors and the development of a design procedure for the anchors. The experimental results, obtained from forty-six window tests conducted under simulated blast loading using a shock tube are reported. Two analysis procedures that were developed for...

Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is a modern class of concrete which has been developed based on the need for high resistance to the penetration of corrosion agents like chlorides. Several UHPC prestressed I beams were investigated in the current research project to assess their flexural and shear capacities using nonlinear finite element mod...

Glazed windows with 1220 mm square frames were tested under shock tube induced blast pressures. The windows had double panes with the interior pane glazed with either a single ply 5 mil film or three plies of the same film, resulting in 15 mils of film thickness. They were secured on reinforced concrete wall substrates using 9.3 mm bolts as window...

A combined experimental and analytical investigation was conducted at the University of Ottawa to assess the performance of blast-resistant window retention anchors to generate design information. The experimental phase of research involved 46 full-scale window tests with different parameters. The analytical investigation included numerical modelin...

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) employs seismic force modification factors (i.e. ductility-related factor, R d , and an overstrength-related factor, R o ) for different Seismic Force Resisting Systems (SFRSs), which, since 2005, are largely based on engineering judgment and qualitative comparisons of seismic response characteristics of d...

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the dynamic behavior of a reinforced concrete frame that was strengthened by a buckling-restrained brace (BRB). The behavior of this frame was benchmarked against a control frame without strengthening. Both frames were tested concurrently on a shake table using the acceleration time-history rec...

National Building Code of Canada (NBC) specifies 45 Seismic Force Resisting Systems to ensure the safety of building structures. Conventional construction concrete moment-resisting frame (CC-CMF) is one of these systems whose seismic response has not been systematically studied in Canada. This paper is an attempt to study the seismic performance of...

This paper presents the results of nine as-built and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) retrofitted reinforced concrete panels subjected to simulated blast loading using a pneumatically operated shock tube. The objective of the study was to characterize the blast response of CFRP retrofitted reinforced concrete panels, with and without suppleme...

Research on seismic behaviour of shear walls with high-strength steel is limited. A combined experimental and analytical investigation was conducted to assess seismic behaviour of flexure-dominant shear walls. A large-scale concrete shear wall with Grade 690 MPa (ASTM A1035) reinforcement and 84 MPa concrete was tested under simulated seismic loadi...

An analytical procedure was developed to predict the compression membrane behavior of laterally restrained reinforced concrete members subject to extreme loads, such as those generated by the loss of bearing elements or during the application of excessive lateral loadings (e.g., explosions and impact). The procedure is based on the simplifying assu...

An experimental investigation was conducted to assess the performance of a new buckling-restrained brace (BRB) system for retrofitting seismically deficient reinforced concrete frames. The BRB consists of a ductile inner steel core bar designed to yield in tension and compression without buckling while controlling the response to seismic forces. Th...

This paper presents an analytical model developed to predict the flexural load-deformation behavior of reinforced concrete members containing tension lap splices. The proposed model incorporates the effect of reinforcement slip of the lap splice and the effect of high strain rates on bond characteristics and material properties of concrete and stee...

Performance-based vulnerability assessment of buildings requires dynamic inelastic analysis, which cannot be conducted without reliable analytical models. An important aspect of analytical building models involves hysteretic modeling of force-deformation relationships. PERFORM-3D software was used to generate fragility curves for moderately ductile...

A large proportion of existing building and bridge infrastructure across the world consists of seismically deficient non-ductile structural systems. Performance of structures during recent earthquakes have demonstrated seismic vulnerability of these systems, the majority of which were designed prior to the enactment of modern seismic codes, though...

Flexural beam-end tests were conducted to characterize the effect of high strain rates on reinforcement bond in concrete. A total of 14 flexural beam-end bond specimens, constructed with 20 M deformed reinforcement embedded in 50 MPa concrete, were tested. The beam-ends were subjected to static and dynamic testing generating strain rates of 5.0 × 1...

Performance-based vulnerability assessment of buildings requires dynamic inelastic analysis, which cannot be conducted without reliable analytical models. An important aspect of analytical building models involves hysteretic modeling of force-deformation relationships. PERFORM-3D software was used to generate fragility curves for moderately ductile...

Seismic behavior of concrete coupling beams reinforced with welded reinforcement grids was investigated experimentally. Eight near-full-scale reinforced concrete coupling beams were tested under simulated seismic loading. Test parameters included grid spacing, grid configuration, and concrete compressive strength. The effects of two-legged and four...

Broken glass fragments and flying shards are a significant source of secondary injuries caused by window failure during accidental explosions and terrorist attacks. A comprehensive review of available design procedures used in the construction industry for window retention anchors, as well as related design standards, indicated that most of the pre...

Fragility analysis was conducted for reinforced concrete frame buildings in Canada designed based on the 1965 National Building Code of Canada as representative of pre-1975 era of seismic design practice. Two-, five-, and ten-storey buildings were designed for Vancouver and Ottawa, representing buildings in high and medium seismic regions. They wer...

This chapter deals with the estimation of tsunami-induced hydrodynamic forces on infrastructure located in the vicinity of the shoreline. While extensive researchhas been conducted on the impact of hydrodynamic forces on classical coastal protection works (breakwaters, seawalls, reefs, etc.), there is limited research on their impact on structures...

One of the applications of fiber-reinforced polymers in bridge construction is stay-in-place formwork. Fiber-reinforced polymer stay-in-place formwork, in the form of preformed tubes, provides easy form assembly, protection of steel reinforcement and concrete against corrosion and chemical attacks while also improving the strength and ductility of...

Seismic vulnerability assessment of shear wall buildings can be conducted through non-linear dynamic analysis, which requires detailed analytical modeling, the consideration of different earthquake intensity and structural performance measures. Reinforced concrete shear wall buildings were designed for Vancouver, representing a region of high seism...

Performance of reinforced concrete frame buildings depends on seismic hazard of the region and vulnerability of the structure. Performance-based evaluation of buildings may be conducted through fragility curves developed for different levels of performance. Reinforced concrete frame buildings with 2, 5 and 10-stories, designed as moderately ductile...

This paper highlights research to assess and upgrade seismically deficient reinforced concrete frames using Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs). A new BRB was developed by the authors at the University of Ottawa, Canada, and has been verified experimentally by testing two 2/3 rd scale, single-storey reinforced concrete frames that were designed as re...

Performance of reinforced concrete frame buildings in recent earthquakes indicates variations in damage levels depending on the seismic hazard of the region and the vulnerability of structures. While older buildings that lack proper seismic design and detailing practices suffer the most damage, newer buildings perform better, but are still expected...

CanRisk is a tool to assess the seismic vulnerability of buildings in Canada. CanRisk models that support the individual evaluation of reinforced concrete, masonry, steel, and timber-frame buildings have been recently developed. Herein, a new model for CanRisk is presented that quantifies an individual’s risk of earthquake injury, the number of inj...

The first intention of this study is to enable tension-only bracing (TOB) as the main lateral load resisting system. In order to attenuate deteriorating of the TOB hysteretic behavior, a simple mechanical device, called slack-free connection (SFC), is proposed by which buckling/slacking would not occur in the TOB. Using the TOB-SFC system in parall...

This study introduces a slack free connection (SFC) by which pinching would be removed from hysteretic behavior of tension-only braces (TOBs). SFC through its mono-directional behavior, eliminates undesirable pinching of the tension-only bracing and changes it to a reliable lateral load resisting system with high energy dissipation capability. A Ma...

Reinforced concrete frame buildings designed and built prior to the enactment of modern seismic codes of the post-1970 era are seismically vulnerable, particularly when they are subjected to strong ground motions. An experimental investigation was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of retrofitting seismically deficient reinforced concrete f...

A new line of blast-resistant steel doors was developed at the University of Ottawa for a local manufacturer through combined experimental and analytical research. The main objective was to develop blast-resistant steel doors meeting performance levels required for the minimum anti-terrorism marketplace. The University of Ottawa's Shock Tube Testin...

This paper presents the results of a study examining the blast load performance of ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) columns. As part of the experimental program nine full-scale columns constructed with compact reinforced composite (CRC), a proprietary UHPFRC, were tested under simulated blast loading and exposed to varying...

The Urban Rapid Assessment Tool (RAT) integrates recent advances in virtual environments and mobile smart devices to facilitate the rapid visual screening (RVS) of building structural parameters outlined in FEMA 154 and FEMA 310. These advanced parameters support Tier-1 and Tier-2 earthquake loss estimations in programs such as Hazus and CanRisk. U...

Research has shown that the addition of steel fibers to concrete results in improved postcracking tensile capacity leading to enhanced toughness, ductility, and damage tolerance. These performance enhancements make steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) an ideal material for use in the blast-resistant design of structures. Research in the literatur...

The influence of high strain-rate loading on the flexural response of typical light-frame wood construction has been investigated. A total of 30 stud grade 38 mm × 140 mm × 2440 mm (2″ × 6″ × 8′) spruce–pine–fir (S–P–F) lumber specimens were tested within a range of low and high strain-rates between 6 × 10−6 s−1 and 0.4 s−1. A single-degree-of-free...

Simple relationships are proposed in this paper by modifying the Schmertmann's equation for settlement estimations of footings (i.e., ) carrying vertical loads in saturated and unsaturated sandy soils. The modified method is developed using model plate load tests (PLTs) and cone penetration tests (CPTs) results conducted in saturated and unsaturate...

The paper presents observed damage in reinforced concrete buildings during the 27 February 2010 Maule earthquake in Chile. Performance of concrete frame and shear wall buildings are discussed with emphasis on seismic deficiencies in design and construction practices. It is shown that the majority of structural damage in multistorey and high-rise bu...

This paper provides a summary of the damage to bridges in the M-w 8.8 Chile earthquake of 27 February 2010. Lessons from the different types of structural damage observed on concrete and steel bridges are discussed. The important roles played by soil liquefaction, settlement and embankment failures are highlighted. Aspects such as shear failure of...

Damage to structures and infrastructure due to the Chile tsunami of 27 February 2010, is presented. Robust, modern engineered structures performed well during this tsunami and, generally, damage only to non-structural components was evident. The majority of damage was sustained by non-engineered residential homes located within the inundation zone....

This paper presents performance of steel buildings and nonstructural elements during the 27 February 2010 Maule Earthquake in Chile. Structural steel buildings are not common in Chile, due to the relatively high cost of material. The majority of damage to steel structures was observed in industrial facilities. In general, the structural steel build...

Computer software was developed for inelastic analysis of structural members subjected to blast-induced shock waves. The software can predict the dynamic response of structural elements, provided the load–deformation characteristics are defined. The software has built-in capabilities to generate the load–deformation characteristics of common struct...

Seismic screening software is developed for existing buildings in Canada on the basis of the requirements of 2010 National Building Code of Canada. The software is based on the “Manual for Screening of Buildings for Seismic Investigation,” published by the National Research Council of Canada in 1992. The new software incorporates updated seismicity...

Given the large stock of buildings in cities such as Vancouver, Montreal and Ottawa, there is an urgent need to assess the seismic vulnerability in Canadian urban areas. The collection of a well-developed building inventory can provide essential information for mapping the spatially variable seismic vulnerability within urban areas. This paper pres...

Concrete is a very weak and brittle material in tension. It has been shown that the addition of steel fibers to a concrete matrix can transform this behaviour due to the ability of fibers to control and redistribute stresses after cracking. A review of existing literature shows that the addition of steel fibers enhances concrete's tensile resistanc...

Recent catastrophic tsunamis (2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, 2007 and 2010 Solomon Islands Tsunamis, 2010 Chile Tsunami, 2011 Tohoku, Japan Tsunami) have emphasized the destructive power of tsunami-induced flooding as it propagates overland and impacts nearshoreline infrastructure. As a result, research has evolved to improve our understanding of the f...

Simple relationships are proposed in this paper by modifying the Schmertmann et al. (1978) equation for foundation settlement estimations of sands both in saturated and unsaturated conditions. The modified method can be used for axi-symmetric footings (i.e., B/L ≈ 1) carrying vertical loads. This method is developed using the results of surface and...

The selection of seismic motions is one of the most important issues for the time-history analysis of buildings. This paper discusses four different methods for obtaining spectrum-compatible acceleration time histories (i.e., accelerograms) of seismic motions. Based on these methods, four sets of accelerograms compatible with the design spectrum fo...

CRC, short for Compact Reinforced Composite, is an ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete developed by the Danish cement producer Aalborg Portland in 1986. CRC has very high compressive strength combined with a large volume of steel fibers, which also gives the material improved tensile capacity and toughness. These properties make CRC id...

It is of importance to ensure that strategic buildings in Canada (federal and provincial offices, military structures, embassies, etc) are blast resistant. In the wake of increased terror threats, the ground-storey columns in such buildings need to be properly detailed to provide the ductility and continuity necessary to prevent progressive collaps...

A comprehensive experimental program was undertaken to study the bearing capacity and settlement behaviour of a sandy soil using model footings in specially designed equipment. The focus of the study is to understand the influence of the capillary stresses (i.e., matric suction), overburden stress (i.e., confinement) and dilation on the variation o...

The corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete and the resulting deterioration of structures prompted research on fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) as potential reinforcement for concrete members, for use in new construction. FRPs have more favorable advantages for new concrete buildings subjected to seismic loads particularly in corrosive environm...

Many reinforced concrete frame structures built before the 1970's can be classified as non-ductile and seismically deficient. The objective of the current research project is to investigate innovative, yet cost effective seismic retrofit methodologies for seismic upgrading of non-ductile reinforced concrete frame buildings. A 10-storey reinforced c...

Spectrum-compatible seismic excitations are required when dynamic time-history analysis is used for determining the response of a structure. This paper presents results from a study on the effects of different types of spectrum-compatible excitations on the response of medium-height reinforced concrete frame buildings. Two six-storey buildings desi...

Observations on damage to concrete structures, due to the 1994 Northridge earthquake, are reported from a Canadian code perspective. Most of the damaged structures were older, nonductile, structures that do not conform to current design and detailing requirements. Concern is expressed about the seismic hazard of older Canadian structures having sim...

This is the first of two companion papers on improved intensity measures of strong seismic ground motions for use in probabilistic seismic demand analysis. It describes the formulation and the development of new intensity measures. The second paper illustrates the application of the developed intensity measures in probabilistic seismic demand analy...

This is the second of two companion papers on improved intensity measures of strong seismic ground motions for use in probabilistic seismic demand analysis of reinforced concrete frame buildings. The first paper discusses the development of improved intensity measures. This paper describes the application of the developed intensity measures in prob...

Progressive collapse analyses were conducted on reinforced concrete frame buildings designed according to the seismic provisions of the 2005 edition of the National Building Code of Canada. The purpose of the analyses was to estimate the vulnerability of the buildings to progressive collapse. Three buildings designed for Ottawa and three buildings...

Ductility is known as one of the most significant factors in the design of earthquake resisting structures. The lateral reinforcement that is fundamentally used to resist against shear forces, is also beneficial to obtain ductile behavior for reinforced concrete structures through confinement. It is a well known fact that most of the existing struc...

The cone penetration test (CPT) results are used in the Schmertmann et al. (1978) method for the estimation of shallow footings settlement in sands in conventional engineering practice. This method is popular because of its simplicity, repeatability, and its lower level of uncertainty. However, the estimated settlements using this method are typica...

Recent bomb attacks on civilian facilities and accidental explosions in or near buildings have heightened the awareness on performance of buildings subjected to blast loads. While considerable research has been conducted to protect physical infrastructure against military bomb attacks generating classified technical information, design guidelines f...

It has been observed during previous earthquakes that the damage to operational and functional components of buildings often result in more injuries, fatalities and property damage than those inflicted by structural damage. Operational and functional components of a building include architectural components, mechanical and electrical equipment, as...

The bearing capacity of saturated soils is usually evaluated from Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) or Plate Load Tests (PLTs). CPTs are commonly used in conventional geotechnical engineering practice due to their reliability, simplicity and associated low costs. CPTs are also performed in unsaturated soils; however, the influence of matric suction tow...

The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the evolution of seismic design in Canada. This paper presents the significant changes to the approach taken in determining seismic hazards and seismic hazard maps, and describes the evolution of the seismic design provisions of the National building code of Canada. The introduction of important...

An experimental investigation on diagonal X-bracing designed as compression struts to retrofit non-ductile reinforced concrete frames in an attempt to increase stiffness and lateral load capacity is presented. The advantage is the elimination of costly and detailed connections necessary to exploit the tension capacity of the brace. Two, single-stor...

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive research program on tsunami-induced forces on infrastructure located in coastal areas. This research project is the result of an interdisciplinary investigation (coastal and structural engineering) which spanned over the past five years which included field data reconnaissance missions, as well as a...

This paper describes results from a study on the dynamic behaviour of the Confederation Bridge due to seismic loads. For the purpose of the seismic analysis of the bridge, a finite element model was developed using three-dimensional (3D) beam elements. The model was calibrated using measured data of the bridge vibrations during a dynamic load test....

A reliable building vulnerability assessment is required for developing a risk-based assessment and retrofit prioritization. Tesfamariam and Saatcioglu (2008) proposed a simple building vulnerability module where the building performance modifiers are in congruence with FEMA 154. This paper is an extension of the building vulnerability assessment t...

Using a shock tube to subject structures to shock wave loading is a safe, economical and reliable alternative to live explosive testing. The University of Ottawa shock tube testing facility is capable of simulating shock wave induced loading of structures subjected to high explosive blast. The shock tube can accurately generate shock waves with sim...

This chapter deals with the estimation of tsunami-induced hydrodynamic forces on infrastructure located in the vicinity of the shoreline. While extensive research has been conducted on the impact of hydrodynamic forces on classical coastal protection works (breakwaters, seawalls, reefs, etc.), there is limited research on their impact on structures...

Recent bomb attacks on buildings have raised awareness about the vulnerability of structures to blast effects. The resiliency of structures against blast-induced impulsive loads is affected by structural characteristics that are also important for seismic resistance. Deformability and continuity of structural elements, strength, stiffness, and stab...

Recent bomb attacks on buildings have raised awareness about the vulnerability of structures to blast effects. The resiliency of structures against blast-induced impulsive loads is affected by structural characteristics that are also important for seismic resistance. Deformability and continuity of structural elements, strength, stiffness, and stab...

Strengthening of concrete structures using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) systems has become a widely accepted technology in the construction industry over the past decade. Externally bonded FRP sheets are proven to be a feasible alternative to traditional methods for strengthening and stiffening deficient reinforced or prestressed concrete members...

Observations from a reconnaissance visit to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster area are presented from structural performance perspective. Behaviour of engineered and non-engineered buildings under tsunami-induced hydrodynamic and debris impact forces is discussed. It is shown that engineered reinforced concrete buildings generally survived the...

In many parts of the world, structures face the very real threat of being subjected to the effects of blast induced shock waves triggered by terrorist attacks or accidental explosions for which they were not designed. The University of Ottawa's Blast Research Group has undertaken an experimental research program to develop retrofit techniques to in...

Seismic resilience of new building has improved with the implementation of recent design codes and stringent quality of construction. However, vulnerability of existing buildings is apparent from recent earthquakes as a result of older design codes coupled with inherent area of weaknesses. Hence, there is a need for a simple procedure to identify c...

Seismic resiliency of new buildings has improved over the years due to improved seismic codes and design practices. However, vulnerability of seismically deficient older buildings, designed and built on the basis of older codes of practices, poses a significant threat to life safety and survivability of buildings. It is economically not feasible to...

The distributed Brillouin sensor (DBS) was used to monitor the structural changes in a steel pipe and a composite column subjected to heavy loads. The column was made of concrete reinforced with fibre-reinforced-polymer (FRP) rods and sheets. The test reproduced earthquake-like conditions. The pipe had a length of 2.58 m and diameter of 0.75 m. The...