Experimental study on seismic performance of seismic-damaged RC frame retrofitted by prestressed steel strips

Prestressed steel strips were used to provide quick retrofit for seriously damaged structures after earthquake, for the purpose of improving the seismic resistance capacity of seismic-damaged reinforced concrete frames in case of aftershock and providing possible conditions for comprehensive post-earthquake strengthening. In this paper, the retrofitting effect of retrofitted damaged structure was validated by means of pseudo-static test on 1/2 scaled undamaged RC frame with single span and three stories and retrofitted seismic-damaged structure using prestressed steel trips. The comparison of seismic performance including bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation capacity was discussed to verify the retrofitting effect. According to the results, it was found that post-earthquake reinforced concrete frame retrofitted by prestressed steel strips could develop similar seismic performance as original frame and reduce the potential in structural failure when subjected again to an earthquake. The results also indicated that prestressed steel strips could be taken as a quick retrofit technology, providing effective and quick strengthening of damaged structure and it could help avoid unexpected loss of life and economy after earthquake.