Retrofitting of Existing Residential Masonry Buildings Through Integrated Seismic and Energy Aspects: A Case Study of the City of Niš in Serbia

Abstract

The comprehensive renovation of existing buildings has become imperative and is recognized as a central priority within the European Union’s agenda (European Green Deal). The objectives of this initiative include reducing energy consumption, mitigating environmental pollution, and achieving long-term decarbonization targets. This research addresses the case of load-bearing masonry buildings constructed in the post-World War II period, characterized by specific geometric and volumetric features. Current regulations on seismic design and thermal protection reveal significant deficiencies in both the structural safety and the energy performance of these buildings. Recent seismic events and the increasing demand for electricity further highlight the urgency of integrated retrofitting measures that simultaneously enhance structural resistance and improve thermal protection. This research aims to develop an integrated retrofitting approach that simultaneously improves seismic resistance and energy efficiency. A review of strengthening techniques and thermal upgrades was carried out, followed by a critical assessment of their applicability. The proposed intervention combines two comparable seismic reinforcement schemes with thermal improvements, implemented through a one-sided reinforced cement mortar overlay coupled with external thermal insulation materials. Analyses demonstrate that the retrofit increases the structural resistance to agR = 0.10 g and upgrades the building envelope to current energy efficiency requirements. The results confirm that the method is both effective and feasible, offering a replicable solution for similar residential masonry buildings. This study concludes that integrated retrofitting can extend building service life, enhance occupant safety and comfort, and provide a practical framework for large-scale application in sustainable renovation practices, which is especially significant for Serbia and other Balkan countries, considering that the analyzed case study buildings are characteristic representatives for these regions.