Full-scale test on existing RC frame reinforced with slender shear steel plates

In the current paper, the experimental investigation of an innovative solution based on the use of slender steel shear panels for seismic upgrading of existing reinforced concrete frames is presented. Based on a preliminary experimental evaluation of the performance of the bare r.c. structure, an ad hoc design procedure has been developed in the framework of the performance based design methodology. Therefore, the steel panel conf ig- uration arrangement has been def ined according to a simplified analytical procedure and then checked by adopting a sophisticated FEM model. Finally, after the global numerical analyses of the whole system, the full-scale test of the upgraded structure has been carried out, confirming the effectiveness of the adopted retrofitting device.