Optimizing Tomorrow's Learning Spaces: A Retrofitting

Approach for John Paul College's Growing Community

A Thesis Presented to the

Faculty of the College of Engineering, Architecture, Technology and

Sciences

John Paul College

MG Andaya, Odiong, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

By:

Kent S. Andalajao

Christine Jade M. Atilano

Josua R. Magararu

Julius Robert B. Naquita

FEBRUARY 2024
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This study focuses on addressing the challenges faced by John Paul
College, including overcrowded classrooms and strained facilities due to a
surge in student enrollment. The primary aim is to explore the feasibility and
effectiveness of retrofitting as a solution to enhance existing structures and
accommodate the growing needs of the academic community. The study also
aims to provide insights that can benefit similar educational institutions
grappling with spatial constraints, contributing to the broader field of
educational infrastructure management.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

John Paul College, an esteemed institution dedicated to molding the

future professionals of tomorrow, has been a nurturing ground for aspiring
individuals seeking academic excellence. However, the school finds itself at a
critical juncture as its student population continues to swell each passing year.
This surge in enrollment, while indicative of the institution's success, has
given rise to a significant challenge - the inadequacy of available rooms and
facilities.

The limited spatial resources have become a prominent concern for

John Paul College, impacting the quality of education and overall student
experience. Overcrowded classrooms and strained facilities have prompted
the institution to seek a viable solution to accommodate the growing needs of
its academic community. Faced with the constraints of limited space,
retrofitting emerges as the most practical and sustainable choice for
addressing these pressing issues.

Retrofitting, the process of enhancing and optimizing existing

structures, offers a strategic avenue for John Paul College to expand its
facilities without resorting to extensive construction. This approach aligns with
the institution's commitment to providing an enriched learning environment
despite spatial limitations.

The researchers undertaking this study recognize the paramount

importance of addressing the spatial challenges faced by John Paul College.
To comprehensively analyze and optimize the retrofitting process, the
researchers have chosen a dual-method approach. Manual calculations, a
traditional yet robust method, will be employed for a detailed structural
analysis. Additionally, the researchers will leverage the advanced capabilities
of ETABS, a sophisticated structural analysis software, to ensure a thorough
evaluation of the retrofitting strategies.

By combining manual calculations and ETABS analysis, this study aims

to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural modifications
required for effective retrofitting. The findings will not only benefit John Paul
College but also contribute valuable insights to the broader field of
educational infrastructure management, particularly for institutions grappling
with spatial constraints. Through this research, the researchers aspire to offer
practical solutions that can be replicated in similar educational settings facing
the challenges of increasing student populations within confined spaces.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

John Paul College, a revered institution preparing future professionals,

is confronted with a critical challenge as its student population continues to
grow annually. The surge in enrollment has exacerbated the longstanding
issue of limited spatial resources, particularly in terms of classrooms and
facilities. Overcrowded learning spaces and strained amenities have become
notable impediments to the quality of education and overall student
experience at the college.
 The inadequate availability of rooms and facilities poses a problem for
John Paul College, impacting various aspects of its academic environment.
The specific issues include:

1. Overcrowded Classrooms:

- The increase in student enrollment has led to a shortage of

classrooms, resulting in overcrowded learning environments.

- This compromises the effectiveness of teaching and learning,

hindering the academic experience for both students and faculty.

2. Strained Facilities:

- The strain on existing facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and

communal spaces, diminishes the overall functionality of these resources.

- Students and faculty experience challenges in accessing essential

facilities, affecting academic research, collaborative activities, and
extracurricular engagement.

3. Impact on Educational Quality:

- The spatial constraints directly impact the quality of education

provided by John Paul College.

- Limited access to facilities and overcrowded classrooms can hinder

the institution's ability to deliver a comprehensive and enriching educational
experience.

4. Operational Disruptions:

- The current spatial limitations lead to operational disruptions,

creating logistical challenges for the administration, faculty, and students.

- These disruptions may hinder the smooth functioning of academic

activities, administrative processes, and extracurricular programs.

5. Pressing Need for a Solution:

 - With limited available space, John Paul College faces the pressing
need to find a sustainable and effective solution to address these spatial
challenges.

- The urgency of the problem necessitates immediate action to

enhance the institution's infrastructure and ensure a conducive learning
environment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

In response to these challenges, the researchers propose to employ a

retrofitting approach, combining manual calculations and ETabs structural
analysis, to optimize existing structures and alleviate the spatial constraints
faced by John Paul College.

The main goal of this research at John Paul College is to tackle the
challenges arising from the increasing student population and limited spatial
resources through the implementation of a retrofitting initiative. The
researchers have outlined specific objectives to guide their investigation:

Firstly, the study aims to conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing

spatial limitations at John Paul College, focusing on overcrowded classrooms
and strained facilities. The identification of specific areas and facilities
requiring immediate attention and retrofitting interventions is paramount.

Secondly, the research seeks to explore the concept of retrofitting as

the chosen solution for addressing spatial constraints. This involves an in-
depth investigation and analysis of the theoretical foundations and practical
applications of retrofitting within the context of educational infrastructure.

The third objective involves utilizing traditional manual calculation

methods to conduct a detailed structural analysis of the identified areas slated
for retrofitting. This includes an assessment of the structural integrity of
existing buildings and determining necessary modifications to optimize space
utilization.

In conjunction with manual calculations, the researchers plan to

leverage the advanced capabilities of ETabs, a sophisticated structural
analysis software, to supplement and enhance the analysis. This ensures a
comprehensive and accurate evaluation of the structural modifications
required for effective retrofitting.

Subsequently, the study aims to formulate and propose specific

retrofitting strategies based on findings from both manual calculations and
ETabs analysis. The prioritization of interventions will consider factors such as
structural integrity, cost-effectiveness, and minimal disruption to ongoing
activities.

The researchers also aim to provide practical and actionable

recommendations for the successful implementation of retrofitting measures
at John Paul College. These recommendations will be tailored to consider the
unique educational environment and operational requirements of the
institution.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this study addresses critical spatial challenges
faced not only by John Paul College but also potentially by numerous other
educational institutions worldwide.
Firstly, the research focuses on the pressing issue of limited space and
overcrowding within John Paul College, aiming to improve the quality of
education and student experience by ensuring adequate facilities and room
for learning.
Secondly, the study advocates for retrofitting as a sustainable and
practical solution to expand facilities without extensive construction,
showcasing an innovative approach for educational institutions to optimize
existing infrastructure.
Thirdly, the use of both manual calculations and advanced structural
analysis software like ETABS ensures a thorough examination of the
retrofitting process, enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the study's
findings.
Lastly, the findings extend beyond John Paul College, offering insights
and practical solutions for educational institutions worldwide grappling with
similar spatial constraints, thus contributing to the broader field of educational
infrastructure management. Overall, this study's significance lies in its
comprehensive approach to addressing spatial challenges, advocating for
sustainable solutions, employing advanced analysis methods, offering insights
with broader implications, and providing practical solutions for replication in
similar settings.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Scope
1. Retrofitting Strategies: The study will extensively cover various
retrofitting strategies that can be employed by John Paul College to address
its spatial challenges. This includes, but is not limited to modifications, in
building design, structural enhancements, and utilization of advanced
materials for optimal space utilization.

2. Structural Analysis Methods: The scope involves a dual-method

approach, combining manual calculations and the use of advanced structural
analysis software (ETABS). The study aims to comprehensively analyze and
evaluate the retrofitting process, providing a holistic understanding of the
structural modifications required for effective expansion.

3. Spatial Optimization: The research will focus on spatial

optimization within the existing infrastructure of John Paul College. It includes
recommendations for reconfiguring classrooms, common areas, and other
facilities to maximize space utilization without compromising safety and
functionality.

4. Educational Infrastructure Management Insights: The study's

scope extends beyond John Paul College to offer insights into educational
infrastructure management. By addressing spatial constraints, the research
aims to provide practical solutions applicable to a broader range of
educational institutions facing similar challenges globally.

5. Replicability: The study aims to provide practical and replicable

solutions that can be adapted by other educational institutions facing similar
issues. The research findings and recommendations will be structured to
facilitate easy implementation in diverse educational settings.

Limitations
1. Specific to John Paul College: The findings and recommendations
of the study are tailored to the unique context of John Paul College. While
insights may be applicable to similar institutions, the specific retrofitting
strategies may not be universally suitable for all educational settings.

2. Resource Constraints: The study acknowledges resource

limitations, both financial and material, which may impact the feasibility of
implementing certain retrofitting measures. The recommendations will
consider practicality and cost-effectiveness, but budgetary constraints may
limit the scope of potential solutions.

3. Time Constraints: The study operates within a specific timeframe,

and therefore, certain aspects of the retrofitting process may not be explored
in as much detail as a more extended study would allow. Time constraints
may affect the depth of the analysis and the comprehensiveness of the
recommendations.
 4. External Factors: External factors such as regulatory requirements,
zoning laws, and community considerations may impact the implementation of
retrofitting strategies. The study will acknowledge these factors but may not
delve deeply into their implications on the feasibility of certain
recommendations.

5. Evolution of Educational Needs: The study's recommendations

are based on the current state of John Paul College's educational needs.
Changes in the institution's academic programs or student demographics in
the future may necessitate further adaptations not accounted for in the current
study.

By delineating the scope and limitations, the study provides a clear

understanding of the areas it aims to cover and acknowledges the boundaries
within which its findings and recommendations are applicable.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
The review of related literature and studies for John Paul College's
spatial challenges and retrofitting approach involves an exploration of existing
research and scholarly works relevant to educational infrastructure
management, retrofitting strategies, and spatial optimization in educational
institutions. This section will delve into studies that highlight the importance of
addressing spatial constraints in educational settings, as well as research that
examines the effectiveness of retrofitting as a solution for expanding facilities.
Additionally, the review will include studies that showcase the benefits
of combining manual calculations and advanced structural analysis software,
such as ETABS, to achieve comprehensive and effective retrofitting
outcomes. By synthesizing and analyzing existing literature, this study aims to
build upon prior knowledge and contribute new insights to the field of
educational infrastructure management.
Related Literatures
Giuseppe Oliveto and Massimo Marletta (june 2019). Seismic
restoration of reinforced concrete buildings not designed to withstand
earthquakes was planned. After briefly describing how seismic activity is
described for design purposes, methods for assessing seismic vulnerability of
existing buildings are presented. Traditional seismic retrofit methods are
reviewed and their weaknesses identified. Modern methods and philosophy of
seismic modernization, including basic energy dissipation and isolating
devices, are revisited. The presentation is illustrated with case studies of
actual buildings where traditional and innovative renovation methods have
been applied.

ABIO MAZZA and ALFONSO VULCANO (2021). The nonlinear seismic

response of substructure insulated framing buildings exposed to near-fault
earthquakes is studied to analyze the effect of additional damping at the level
of insulation systems commonly used to prevent oversized insulation.
Numerical studies were performed with respect to a system with two degrees
of freedom and multiple degrees of freedom representing a mid-rise building
with isolated frames. A typical fully insulated five-story reinforced concrete
(RC) flat frame model designed according to Eurocode 8 for soil type A.The
bilinear model idealizes the behaviour of the frame elements. Artificial impact
motion, artificially generated acceleration graphs (corresponding to EC8
response spectra for subsoil class A or D) and actual acceleration graphs
(recorded on rocks and soils in nearby fault regions). The additional viscous
damping of the base is suitable for controlling the displacement of the
insulator, thus preventing large insulators. However, this does not guarantee
the best performance of the superstructure in all cases in terms of structural
and non-structuraldamage, depending on the frequency content of the seismic
impact. Precautions should be taken for earthquakes near faults, especially
for insulated structures located in the ground.
 Miao Cao, Liyu Xie, Hesheng Tang, Naoki Funaki and Songtao Xue
(2020).This paper describes the entire renovation process for a damaged,
passively controlled building. A hybrid modification plan using tin rubber
bearings to replace damaged oil dampers is proposed and tested within size
requirements and cost budget. Structural identification and non-linear dynamic
analysis were performed to verify the effectiveness of the hybrid remodeling
program

Jiuk Shina, Jong-Su Jeonb (2019). Uncomplicated reinforced concrete

building structures built prior to the 1970s were severely damaged and
collapsed as a result of man-made (e.g. blast loads) due to inadequate
column details. Structural defects can be addressed with fiber-reinforced
polymer sheathing systems. In this study, the explosion characteristics of a
simple low-rise building reinforced with a cladding system were investigated.
Based on the investigation, an upgrade plan was developed to reduce blast
damage and maximize the effectiveness of the retrofit system. Depending on
the key parameters of the modified system related to the effects of restraint
and bending stiffness, the upgraded model was varied and explosion
simulations were performed under various loading scenarios. The effect of
modernization was investigated in terms of the coefficient of closure and the
coefficient of stiffness. As the impact of modernization parameters on the blast
characteristics depends on the blast load, it is necessary to develop a
modernization plan in terms of the expected blast load scenario.

Shanshan Wang, A.M.ASCE ; and Stephen A. Mahin , F.ASCE (2018)

The feasibility and cost-effectiveness of various retrofit techniques to improve
the seismic performance of an existing 35story steel building are examined.
Three types of supplemental energy dissipation devices are used in
conjunction with basic retrofit measures to achieve the collapse prevention
performance objective of current standards. Devices considered include fluid
viscous dampers (FVDs), viscous wall dampers, and buckling restrained
braces. The placement of the devices was kept the same in all three cases,
considering overall architectural, programmatic, and constructability issues.
Related Studies
Georgia E. Thermou and Manousos Psaltakis (2019). Recent
earthquakes have shown the fragility of non-ductile reinforced concrete (RC)
buildings, which are flawed in the stiffness and mass irregularities of floor
plans and elevations. This paper presents a design methodology for
seismological upgrades of inferior R.C. that are sensitive to rotation building.
Thismethodology first eliminates the effect of torsional coupling on the modal
period and shape, then modifies the lateral response shape of the building in
each direction to optimize the distribution of drift between floors along the
height of the building.

Antonio Di Cesare and Felice Carlo Ponzo (mar 2018). This paper
presents a design method for assessing the mechanical properties of a
historical energy dissipation brace system (EDB) for seismic retrofitting of
existing reinforced concrete framed buildings prior to seismic stress, and if
necessary, the building. Adjusts the rigidity and strength of. Its height. To
illustrate the application of the proposed method and its ability to include most
devices in energy dissipation with similar ductility needs, we examined a
simple benchmark structure and performed a nonlinear dynamic analysis.

The purpose of this study is to study various reinforcement methods for

implementation in existing buildings with potentially controlled behaviors by
soft floor mechanisms under seismic influences, based on numerical analysis.
The effectiveness of masonry filledpanels is studied and the seismic safety of
buildings is evaluated. We also test different reinforcement methods, including
RC column sheathing, adding shear and non-shearing steel struts, and adding
RC shear walls to modify/remove reactions such as soft floors. The results of
the reinforced building are compared to the results of the original design
minus the structural efficiencies for each type of reinforcement technology
employed. The cost of each solution is determined and compared to the
market value of the building
 The effect of FRP retrofitting on the seismic capacity of the selected
structures is measured through derivation of fragility functions for various
damage states. The results of the analysis indicate a considerable
improvement in the overall seismic performance of each considered structural
system, particularly as the structure enters its inelastic behaviour. This study
represents the first step toward identifying the most technically feasible and
economical mitigation strategy for the vulnerable schools in the Philippines.

Nassirpour, A; D'Ayala, D; Galasso, C; (2018). During an earthquake

event, moment-resisting reinforced concrete frames are damaged primarily at
the beam-column joints due to the development of high levels of stresses and
deformations caused by dynamic loads. Specifically, in RC frames with open-
ground storey structures, it has been recommended that the column size be
increased to improve lateral strength. RC structures are primarily designed to
resist gravity loads with inadequate seismic detailing and ductility provisions.
It has been emphasized that such non-ductile RC structures need to be
protected against high stresses induced by severe lateral forces in major
earthquakes as they have insufficient lateral strength and stiffness and low
energy dissipation capacity. H.B. Kaushik, D.C. Rai, S.K. Jain (2009)

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Spatial  Dual-Method  Comprehensive
Challenges and Approach Retrofitting Plan
Needs  Spatial Optimization  Spatial
 Retrofitting  Stakeholder Optimization
Strategies Consultations Recommendation
 Available  Educational
Resources Infrastructure
Management
Insights
 FEEDBACK

HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

Given the spatial constraints faced by John Paul College due to its
growing student population, it is hypothesized that retrofitting existing
structures will significantly alleviate the strain on facilities and improve the
overall learning environment. The combination of manual calculations and
advanced structural analysis software (ETABS) will provide valuable insights
into the most effective retrofitting strategies. It is expected that this study will
not only benefit John Paul College but also offer practical solutions for other
educational institutions facing similar challenges.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The methodology for this study involves a mixed-method approach,
combining quantitative and qualitative techniques to address the spatial
challenges faced by John Paul College. The quantitative aspect includes
manual calculations and the use of ETABS software for structural analysis,
providing a detailed assessment of retrofitting strategies. The qualitative
aspect involves stakeholder consultations to gather insights into the impact of
spatial constraints on the quality of education and student experience.
The study will utilize purposive sampling to select participants with
relevant knowledge and experience. Data analysis will involve statistical tools
for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The findings
will be used to develop practical recommendations for John Paul College and
contribute to the broader field of educational infrastructure management.
 RESEARCH METHOD AND PROCEDURE
1. Research Design: This study will utilize a mixed-method research
design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The
quantitative aspect will involve the use of manual calculations and structural
analysis software (ETABS) to evaluate the structural modifications required for
retrofitting. The qualitative aspect will involve interviews with key stakeholders
at John Paul College to gather insights into the impact of spatial constraints
on the quality of education and student experience.

2. Sampling: The study will involve a purposive sampling technique,

selecting participants who have knowledge and experience relevant to the
spatial challenges and retrofitting strategies at John Paul College. This will
include administrators, faculty members, and facilities management staff.

3. Data Collection:
Data collection will consist of two main components:

Manual Calculations: Detailed measurements and calculations

will be conducted to assess the structural integrity of existing buildings
and determine the feasibility of retrofitting.
ETABS Analysis: The advanced capabilities of ETABS will be
utilized to model the existing structures and simulate the effects of
retrofitting strategies, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the
structural modifications.
4. Data Analysis: The quantitative data from manual calculations and
ETABS analysis will be analyzed using statistical tools to determine the
effectiveness of retrofitting strategies. The qualitative data from interviews will
be analyzed thematically to identify key themes and patterns related to spatial
challenges and retrofitting.
 5. Ethical Considerations: The study will adhere to ethical guidelines,
ensuring informed consent from participants and confidentiality of data. The
research will also prioritize the well-being of participants and minimize any
potential harm or discomfort.

6. Expected Outcome: The research aims to provide practical

recommendations for John Paul College and other educational institutions
facing similar spatial constraints. The findings will contribute to the broader
field of educational infrastructure management, offering insights into effective
retrofitting strategies for accommodating increasing student populations within
confined spaces.