Preliminary finite element analysis of a modular and standardized connection between existing building and exoskeleton

Integrated, preferably holistic and externally implemented measures have proven to be effective in meeting the multiple needs of existing buildings, including structural, energy and architectural aspects. To achieve true economic, environmental and social sustainability throughout a building's life cycle, new performance objectives - such as durability, reparability and reusability - must be pursued alongside mandatory targets such as energy efficiency and structural safety. Recent studies have shown that enabling technologies are needed for achieving these new performance objectives. In this scenario, rethinking the role of connections, aiming at standardization and modularity, ease of implementation/replacement, activation/deactivation, proves to be a key strategy to improve the sustainability of both innovative and traditional retrofit measures. This study presents the preliminary results of the finite element analysis of a modular and standardized connection between an existing building and an exoskeleton. The finite element model validated the conceptual design and behavior of the connection.