The exoskeleton: A solution for seismic retrofitting of existing buildings

An exoskeleton is an external steel self-supporting system rigidly linked to an existing building that need to be safeguarded against seismic actions in order to comply with the current technical standards. Its application can guarantee an innovative seismic adjustment that combines structural and safety goals with sustainable properties. The present study deals with the performances of the developed coupled system under seismic actions when a suitable exoskeleton structure is applied to a real construction. It is designed with an in-plane rigid behaviour at each floor and a non-dissipative rigid link connects the primary building to the external structure. Early descriptions of the inner and the external constructions forerun the dynamic analysis, which allows to understand seismic response of the system especially in terms of frequencies and periods of vibration, floor displacements, stiffness and shear forces. Ensuing outcomes highlight the capability the exoskeleton has in taking base and floor shear forces as well as in reducing displacements and deformations of the primary building, so that it is protected from a potential earthquake collapse.