Comparison of seismic performances of reinforced concrete frames strengthened by different techniques

Abstract The aim of this study is to compare the seismic performances of strengthening techniques applied to reinforced concrete (RC) non-ductile frames tested under the effects of seismic loads. In the experimental part of the study, one-third scale, one-bay, two-storey non-ductile hollow brick infilled RC frames were strengthened with five different techniques and tested under reversed cyclic lateral loads. One being reference, five of the frames were infilled with hollow bricks and plastered on both sides, one was strengthened with plain mortar, one was strengthened with steel fiber reinforced mortar, two were strengthened with precast RC plates. The last frame was strengthened with RC infill wall. Strengthening techniques increased strength and stiffnesses of the frames in the ranges from 57% to 189% and from 186% to 486% respectively. In the numerical analysis part, an existing RC non-ductile building located in Istanbul, strengthened with the techniques, were analyzed using a computer program. Numerical results were evaluated in terms of interstorey drift ratio together with the overall seismic performance of the building.