Seismic analysis of a RC frame building with FRP-retrofitted infill walls

Although they are not taken into account as load bearing elements, hollow brick infill walls contribute lateral load resistance of existing reinforced concrete buildings, in terms of strength and stiffness. In this study, after a brief summary of an experimental work on reinforced concrete frames with FRP retrofitted infill walls, an existing typical rc frame building characterized by low quality concrete, insufficient confinement of structural members, smooth longitudinal bars, insufficient stiffness and irregular frames was analyzed before and after retrofitting its infill walls using FRP composite sheets. The nonlinear behavior of the building, before and after retrofitting its infill walls with FRP composite sheets, is predicted by push-over analysis. A brief explanation of this retrofitting method as given in the recently published version of Turkish Seismic Design Code is also included as well.