Numerical investigation of old RC frames strengthened against earthquakes by high dissipation steel link elements

The use of dissipative steel link elements for the seismic strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (R/C) frames, which have been designed according to older regulations, can provide additional strength and stiffness but mainly, high energy dissipation capacity. The aim of this work is the numerical investigation of the effectiveness of these dissipative steel elements, as well as the understanding of the overall behaviour of the strengthened reinforced concrete frames. The numerical models are based on tests executed in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and presented in the previous paper of the same volume. All the specimens were designed following the regulations and construction practice of the period before 1980. The first specimen is a typical one bay, single storey R/C frame, while the two other specimens are identical to the first one, but strengthened by two different types of dissipative steel elements. The aforementioned concrete frames are accurately simulated numerically and the results are compared with the respective experimental ones. © 2010 Taylor & Francis Group, London