The effect of seismic damage on the heating energy demand of buildings: A combined experimental study

This study addresses the yet underexplored impact of seismic damage on the energy efficiency of buildings, specifically focusing on air leakages and the resultant increases in heating energy demand. Recognising the combined need for seismic and energy retrofitting, it is important to better understand the effect of minor structural damage, such as earthquake-induced cracking, on the energy performance of existing buildings. This study presents for the first time a combined experimental study on these aspects of building performance. Novel findings from a series of consecutive earthquake and blower-door tests conducted on a full-scale, five-storey masonry-infilled reinforced concrete building are presented. Using a hybrid pseudo-dynamic testing approach that includes both physical and simulated components, the correlation between various extents of seismic damage and the corresponding air leakage rates is evaluated. Observations from earthquake tests are presented, and by means of blower door testing and thermal imaging, a connection between observed structural damage and air leakage metrics was confirmed. The experimental data was then used to conduct a detailed building energy modelling analysis, highlighting the broader implications of seismic damage on the heating energy demand of typical European mid-rise residential buildings. It was found that even low-level seismic damage can significantly affect a building's air tightness, leading to increased heating energy consumption. This research not only contributes to the understanding of seismic damage effects on the airtightness of building envelopes but also underscores the importance of integrated retrofitting strategies that consider both energy efficiency and seismic resilience to reduce environmental impact across the building life cycle.

POHORYLES Daniel;  KALLIORAS Stylianos;  BOURNAS Dionysios; 

2025-12-12

ELSEVIER

JRC141890

2352-7102 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710225025409?via%3Dihub,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC141890,   

10.1016/j.jobe.2025.114303 (online),