Integration of Seismic Risk into Energy Retrofit Optimization Procedures: A Possible Approach Based on Life Cycle Evaluation

Abstract

Most of the retrofit processes applied to existing buildings are frequently targeted at reducing energy consumption over the building lifetime, neglecting possible interactions with other sources of uncertainty. On the contrary, recent Italian earthquakes highlighted the need to couple energy aspects with structural retrofit design to avoid tragic consequences and optimize, at the same time, the rational use of environmental and economic resources. The interaction between the two aspects has been rarely managed following design codes due to the absence of methodological frameworks. Motivated by these considerations, the study aims to integrate energy and structural aspects related to seismic risk in a life cycle-based decision-making framework for the retrofit design of existing buildings. As a case study, the methodology is applied to a three-storey RC building assumed to be located in different Italian sites. These are characterized by different climatic conditions and seismicity levels.