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Title: Seismic Retrofit of RC Shear Walls Using Selective Weakening and Self- Centering
Traditional retrofit methods typically focus on increasing strength/stiffness of the structure. This may increase seismic demand on the structure and could lead to excessive damage during a seismic event. This paper presents an alternative retrofit method which integrates concepts from selective weakening and self-centering (rocking) to achieve low seismic damage for substandard reinforced concrete shear walls. The proposed method involves converting traditional cast-in-place built shear walls into rocking walls, which softens the structure, while allowing re-centering. Laboratory tests were performed to validate the retrofit concept on a benchmark wall specimen designed to pre-1970s standards. Observations from the test showed minimized damage and excellent recentering in the retrofitted wall. Additional testing was carried out to verify a novel anchorage scheme for post-tensioning elements, required to implement the proposed retrofit. Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) was judiciously used to minimize damage and optimize the retrofit process.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1662963
PAR ID:
10382804
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
12th National Conference on Earthquake Engineering
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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