Research project NM/A/24 (Research action NM)
CONTEXT
To be allowed to use the Eurocodes, each country has to produce a National Application Document (NAD) in which particular elements are fixed under the authority of national bodies. In 2000, the Belgian regulation concerning the seismic design of structures was not extensively developed: imprecision on the action to apply to the structures, lack of knowledge of the vulnerability of typical Belgian housing with respect to low seismicity, lack of knowledge of an adapted art of building.
THE PROJECT
The present project, which gathers geologists, seismologists and engineers, aims at defining a common point of view in the Belgian earthquake engineering community.
The main global objective of this proposal is to define in a short-term period, within the frame of EUROCODE 8, applicable seismic regulations which are suitable for the seismic hazard and vulnerability in Belgium.
A second objective is to define a common Belgian position on the various questions arising in EC8, that are a correct seismic action definition (response spectrum), the site-specific spectra shapes and the practical application of building regulations to relatively low seismic activity like in Belgium.
The main steps to reach these goals are the following:
- to determine the source characteristics for damaging earthquakes in Belgium;
- to study the site effects in different zones and to specify their characteristics at a large scale in Belgium. This is done by in-situ experiments and computations from existing geological and geophysical data;
- to define the design response spectra for rock and soil corresponding to the different seismic zones distinguished in the regional seismic hazard map;
- to compare the results with the present propositions for spectra shape modifications and to define a common national point of view for the representatives in the European commissions;
- to analyse by 3D modelling typical Belgian simple building structures under low earthquake action;
- to deduce from these analysis the connection forces between constructional elements (walls, floors, roofs) and the action effects in these elements themselves;
- to design and sketch the connection devices and their layout in the various critical parts of the buildings and to produce design rules for end users concerning these simple structures;
- to disseminate the obtained results at the national level;
- to implement the obtained results in EUROCODE 8 through the natural channel constituted by the participation of one member of the research network in the Project Team of EUROCODE 8.
THE PARTNERS
- University of Liège, M&S Department, Seismic Group, Liège, Belgium;
- University of Liège, "Laboratoire de Géologie de l'Ingénieur et d'Hydrogéologie", Liège, Belgium;
- Royal Observatory of Belgium, Uccle, Belgium.
EXPECTED PRODUCTS AND RESULTS
A lot of results has been obtained. A handbook for architects will be written. This handbook will contain the specific rules that have to be applied to build simple constructions which are seismic resistant in low seismicity areas. Simultaneously, a pre-standard document will be written. It will constitute a new release of the National Document of Application for EC8. On another hand, a draft will also be proposed for the parts of EC8 which are debated. The writing will be focused on a clear and unequivocal definition of the concepts and the regulations to follow in countries with a low seismic activity, in agreement with the users committee. This will ensure to obtain a document understandable for all the people involved in earthquake engineering and applicable for all the users.
SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATIONS
With the following institutions: the European Joint Research Centre of Ispra (Italy), the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), the "Laboratorio National Engenharia Civil" (LNEC) of Lisbon (Portugal) and the "Universitat Kassel" (Germany).
USERS COMMITTEE
- V. Caby (MET)
- P. Carels (CDM)
- Holeyman (UCL)
- G. Labeeuw (SPF Mobilité et Transports)
- C. Mertens and S. Schaerlaekens (CSTC)
- J-D. Renard and Y. Zaczek (Tractebel)
- P. Spehl (SECO)
- Pfefferman (BTV)
- E. Broeckx (VICI FGOV)
- J. De Blauwe (IBN)
- P. Timperman (Bekaert)
- M. Braham (ASTRON)
- F. Vandijck (Région wallonne)
- H. Somja, V. Deville and A. Lothaire (BEG)
- G. Rigot and F. Kaiser (Ronveaux)
PROMOTERS
André PLUMIER
Université de Liège
Chemin des Chevreuils 1, bât. B52
B-4000 LIEGE
Tel: +32 4 366.92.30
Fax: +32 4 366.95.34
E-mail: a.plumier@ulg.ac.be
Denis JONGMANS
Université de Liège
Boulevard du Rectorat 17, bât. B19
B-4000 LIEGE
Tel: +32 4 366.20.35
Fax: +32 4 366.28.17
E-mail: djongmans@ulg.ac.be
Thierry CAMELBEECK
Observatoire Royal de Belgique
Avenue BRUXELLES
Tel: +32 2 373.02.52
Fax: +32 2 373.03.39
E-mail: Thierry.camelbeeck@oma.be
Seismic risk assessment and mitigation for Belgium in the frame of EUROCODE 8 : final report
Brussels : Federal Science Policy, 2005 (SP1481)
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