Abstract

As part of extensive experimental work done in the context of the project ‘Retrofit Solutions for New Zealand Multi-Storey Buildings’, a non-ductile RC frame model structure was tested on the shake table of the University of Canterbury. The 2/5 scale model was designed according to New Zealand’s pre-1970’s practice, comprising of two frames, one external, one internal, connected by means of transverse beams and floor slabs. The tests of the as-built specimen revealed a brittle inelastic mechanism with severe damage in first floor exterior beam column joints, under a specific ground motion. In a following stage, Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) layers were implemented in beam column joints in order to strengthen and confine specific zones. Slabs were weakened in a configuration that reduces the negative flexural capacity of the longitudinal beam outside the GFRP, neutralizes transverse beam torsion effects, and allows for anchorage of GFRP layers. The retrofitted specimen tested under the same ground motions used for the as-built specimen, developed ductile flexural rotations in beams and bottom columns, proving the ability of this particular retrofit configuration of relocating brittle shear damage in exterior joints. In this paper the final retrofit intervention implemented and preliminary tests results are presented