Retrofitting of Infilled Frame in Reinforced Concrete Structure

This research work aims to compare the seismic performance (in terms of lateral load strength, stiffness, ductility, response modification factor and performance levels) of full scale infilled frames before and after retrofitting. To evaluate the seismic performance, two infilled frames with door opening at different locations were constructed in the laboratory based on the current construction practices in Pakistan. In one infilled frame, door opening was at the center (Frame-1) while in other, door opening was at a side (Frame-2). After construction, both the specimens were tested with quasi-static test. The damaged parent specimens were then retrofitted with Ferrocement overlay and cracks in the infill wall were repaired with grout injection. Steel door frames of gauge 18 were installed at the door opening to make the model more realistic. Results obtained after performing quasi static test on the retrofitted specimen have showed that the specimens not only gained the original strength, but the seismic parameters of the infilled frames were observed to have also improved.