This project will investigate a steel moment-resisting frame with innovative post-tensioned beam-column connections and rate-dependent (elastomeric or fluid) passive dampers for multi-hazard resistant design. The overall research objectives are: a) decrease in the construction cost, rapid assembly on-site, simple deconstruction, adaptability, and potential for reuse of structural members; b) enhanced progressive collapse resistance and reparability against a sudden loss of column simulating bomb blast or heavy vehicle collision (terrorist attacks); and c) easy inspection/repair allowing almost immediate return to service after a strong (design) earthquake as well as increased life safety under a very strong (maximum credible) earthquake. The project will develop fundamental knowledge, design details, and design methods for the proposed steel frame by conducting integrated design, analysis and experimental research. In particular, the project will: a) develop design details and criteria for an innovative post-tensioned connection; b) experimentally evaluate the behaviour of the post-tensioned connection with large-scale monotonic and cyclic tests simulating a loss of column scenario and seismic loading, respectively; c) evaluate the seismic performance and the progressive collapse resistance of the proposed steel frame; d) develop a practical seismic design procedure for the proposed steel frame in the context of the European seismic design standard-Eurocode 8; and e) compare the costs and sustainability aspects of constructing the proposed steel frame and a conventional steel moment-resisting frame. The project will go beyond the state-of-the-art in the field of minimal-damage structural systems; significantly improve the UK's competitiveness in structural engineering; meet important national priorities related to sustainability and resilience; and align with EPSRC's global, economic and societal challenge themes.

Earthquake reconnaissance plays an invaluable role in earthquake engineering, as it enables the collection of perishable data on building performance that are otherwise unobtainable. Such data can be used to prepare damage statistics, calibrate and validate engineering models and crucially, to decide what design and/or construction deficiencies lead to inadequate structural performance. This research goes beyond the immediate needs of engineers as it can provide the evidence base for the development of new disaster risk reduction policies and mitigation practices worldwide. In the UK, earthquake field investigations have been conducted by EEFIT since 1982, reporting on the damage observed and inspiring research into building standards for earthquake resistant design and assessment. This research will use the experience gained in EP/I01778X/1 to continue and expand important work in reducing and eventually eradicating the risk of significant death, damage to the economy, and social upheaval resulting from earthquakes. This grant will enable UK based academics to continue to participate in earthquake field investigations conducted by EEFIT and to improve coordination with international equivalents in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, and Europe. grow UK earthquake risk reduction activities, improve the dissemination of EEFIT Mission findings and further increase their impact. Not only will this research continue to collect valuable information in the aftermath of a disaster, but it will also develop new methods of collecting and interpreting this data as well and further develop standard international disaster data collection protocols. This data will be housed in a unique future proof repository that will allow researchers and other stakeholders to easily access and use the information This is important as not only will it enable the UK to stay at the forefront of earthquake engineering research, but it will assist donor countries and other organizations to more accurately access the severity of the disaster and therefore to better target the correct amount of resource for relief and rebuilding efforts.