Retrofitting Design of Kathmandu University Staff Quarter Block 32 ‘A’ after Gorkha Earthquake 2015

The earthquake of 7.6 ML (National Seismological Center Nepal, 2015) occurred on 25thApril, 2015 at 11:56 a.m. NST at a depth of approximately 15 km with its epicenter at Barpak, Gorkha, Nepal. This tremor causing deaths of thousands of people was a result of release in built-up stress along the major fault line where Indian plate is slowly diving underneath the Eurasian Plate. The shaking destroyed most of the weak buildings and caused decrease in strength of the standing ones. These weak existing buildings are in need of retrofit to withstand earthquake which might occur in the future. This paper presents the retrofit strategies undertaken to strengthen a three storey RCC building (Staff Quarter Block 32 ’A’ of Kathmandu University), which lies in Zone V according to IS 18931:2002 classification of seismic zones. Based on the site visit, strength related checks of members with detail evaluation and 3D-model analysis of the existing building via. SAP2000 v.16, deficient members of frames were observed. Selected elements are strengthened as per IS 15988:2013 and other equivalent codes and research papers. Reinforced Cement Concrete and FRP Jacketing are proposed in columns and beams respectively along with Epoxy Grouting for the crack sealing of the infill walls in the building.