Seismic Analysis of Infilled Frame Strengthened with Ferrocement and Expanded Metal

Abstract

This paper presents the seismic analysis of reinforced concrete infilled frame structure strengthened with ferrocement and expanded metal. The prototype structure is a typical three-story commercial building located in the northern part of Thailand. The infilled frame consists of partial infill panels due to the opening of the entrance door and the large window. The analytical models of the strengthened bare frame and the strengthened infilled frame using ferrocement reinforced with expanded metal were proposed for the design of the retrofit frame. The strengthened frame and the existing frame were analysed by nonlinear static analysis (pushover analysis). It was found that the peak strength of the strengthened frame resulting from the analysis was about 14% greater than the design value. The strength of infill panel as well as the column was significantly enhanced due to the effect of strengthened ferrocement. As a result, the seismic damage of the strengthened frame in terms of the damage index observed at the plastic hinge region was reduced to an acceptable limit.