Performance Examination of Two Seismic Strengthening Procedures by Pseudodynamic Testing

Abstract

Pseudodynamic testing was employed to observe the seismic performance of two retrofit methods on two-story, three-bay frame structures. The test frames had hollow clay tile (HCT) infill in the central bay and incorporated the seismic deficiencies of Turkish construction practice, such as use of plain reinforcing bars, low-strength concrete, and insufficient confining steel. Two noninvasive and occupant-friendly retrofit schemes suggested in the Turkish Earthquake Code, namely, use of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) and precast concrete panels integrated on the HCT infill, were employed. The specimens were subjected to three different scale levels of ground motion from the 1999 Duzce earthquake. The control specimen experienced severe damage at the 100% scale level and reached the collapse stage due to the loss of integrity of the infill wall and significant damage on the boundary columns. The retrofitted test structures were able to survive the highest level 140% Duzce ground motion. Test results confirmed the success of the two previously developed retrofit methods for simulated earthquake loads.