The Resume Project: Numerical Analyses and Laboratory Test

Europe faces significant challenges due to seismic activity, which frequently leads to extensive damage, particularly in seismically active regions such as Italy. Recent destructive earthquakes have underscored the urgent need for innovative strategies to improve the seismic resilience and energy efficiency of existing buildings. The RESUME project addresses these challenges by proposing an integrated approach to seismic and energy retrofitting. Its innovative methodology combines structural reinforcement with thermal insulation improvements, targeting reinforced concrete (RC) structures originally designed only for vertical loads. A key feature of the project is the development of a “dry seismic coat,” composed of cork panels paired with a composite timber-aluminum alloy exoskeleton. This system enhances both the seismic and energy performance of retrofitted buildings by simultaneously improving strength, stiffness, and thermal insulation. This article presents the implementation and preliminary results of shaking table tests conducted at the IZIIS Laboratory in Skopje. These tests involved infilled and retrofitted three-dimensional RC frames subjected to simulated seismic loads. The experimental program was designed to assess critical aspects such as: (1) the effectiveness of the retrofitting system in enhancing seismic safety, (2) the comparative energy performance of the system relative to conventional insulation methods, (3) the feasibility of a combined seismic-energy vulnerability assessment methodology for RC buildings. Thus, the present paper details the design, setup, and execution of the tests, focusing on the experimental setup, specimen construction and instrumentation, and loading protocol development. Preliminary results are also presented highlighting the retrofitting system’s capacity to improve seismic behavior, while also indicating potential gains in energy efficiency, paving the way for further research outcomes.