Experimental study for seismic retrofit of non‐seismic designed reinforced concrete structures

Abstract An evaluation of seismic performance was conducted for a reinforced concrete (RC) structure designed without seismic considerations. The seismic performances of many existing structures are often inadequate based on the current seismic design codes, and it is sure that this is the general tendency in most countries. Six specimens were designed and constructed to simulate RC frames built in the 1980s, before the introduction of earthquake‐resistance design provisions in South Korea. The specimens were composed of one control specimen without any retrofit and five specimens retrofitted using wire‐bracing, brick infill wall, steel bracing (X‐ and K‐type) and corner gusset plate. All retrofitted specimens show significant increase in strength and ductility. The behaviours of each specimen are compared in the view of maximum strength, maximum moment, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. Overall, efficiency analysis was also demonstrated in this study. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.