Villa No. 5 in Pyrgos, Limassol 

The seismic capacity of this existing villa, located in Pyrgos, Limassol, was assessed in order to determine its adequacy for the vertical addition of one storey. The load bearing structure of the existing two-storey villa was fabricated with reinforced concrete while its construction dates before the implementation of Eurocodes. The assessment of the existing structure with the vertical addition of one storey pointed out certain inadequacies in some members of the existing load bearing structure. Because of the architectural requirement for limited interventions and for the preservation of most masonry infills, the application of FRP materials in combination with the extension of certain columns’ cross section, was chosen as the most suitable solution for strengthening the existing structure. Specifically, FRP fabrics wrapped around existing columns were proposed in order to increase their shear strength and ductility, while FRP strips epoxy-bonded to the external surfaces of existing beams were proposed to increase their flexural strength. Finally, the design of the load bearing structure of the new storey, composed of reinforced concrete elements, was carried out.