Structural analysis and optimal retrofitting solutions for historical monument with masonry walls

Abstract

Abstract ”Braila Emergency County Hospital (ECH)” historical monument represents one of the main objectives of structural rehabilitation in both Braila county and Braila city. Thus, a structural strength verification for Pavilion B, Section 2, using ETABS software was performed, in order to find optimal retrofitting (rehabilitation) solutions. This analytical procedure proved to be beneficial and absolutely necessary, due to observations regarding the spatial contribution of masonry shear walls and finally the proper establishment of capable/design efforts. Following the structural calculation, it was concluded that the best solution would be to use composite materials for retrofitting a certain number of masonry shear walls, as classical retrofitting methods proved to be more expensive and structurally inefficient. Furthermore, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the solution to use composite materials is beneficial, as it would entail no personnel or patients to be evacuated during the rehabilitation works, i.e. the hospital being able to continue to operate.