Knowledge Based Expert System for Retrofitting of Buildings

Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquake, so that it becomes safer under future earthquakes. Retrofitting reduces the vulnerability of damage of an existing structure during a future earthquake. It strengthens as per the requirements of the current codes for seismic design and also strengthens the existing Structure with addition of new features to it . In buildings, retrofits may involve either structural enhancements to increase strength or replacing major components of the building. Earthquake normally causes large scale destruction and may require rehabilitation operations and may also require retrofitting for different types of Buildings and soil strata . A computer programed knowledge based expert system has been developed which gives ready reckoner solutions for retrofitting of Buildings for various degrees of damage caused and may be a useful tool for practicing Engineers .