Dynamic behavior assessment of public buildings in Syria using non-linear time-history analysis and ambient noise measurements: a case study

Abstract This study evaluates the dynamic behavior and performance of vital reinforced concrete (RC) public building [Ministry Higher Education (MHE)] designed in compliance with old Syrian (non-seismic) code. The real non-linear MHE has been checked by detailed numerical analyses (finite elements method—FEM) validated a series ambient noise measurements carried out on-site. modeling approach for thorough 3D developed to be able investigate actual widespread range RC structures, providing opportunity set up reliable methodology assess structures according code from new seismic requirements perspective. results frequency analyses, nonlinear time history, experimental have shown an excellent agreement. showed that FEM is predicting but it very sensitive assumptions. Furthermore, revealed unsymmetrical east–west wings about Y -axis which could attributed inefficient rehabilitation executed 2001.