Experimental study on RC frame structures strengthened by externally-anchored PC wall panels

Infill wall strengthening method has been widely used for seismic strengthening of deteriorated reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures with non-seismic details. Although such infill wall method can ensure sufficient lateral strengths of RC frame structures deteriorated in seismic performances with a low constructional cost, it generally requires quite cumbersome construction works due to its complex connection details between an infill wall and existing RC frame. In this study, an advanced seismic strengthening method using externally-anchored precast wall panels (EPCW) was developed to overcome the disadvantage inherent in the existing infill wall strengthening method. A total of four RC frame specimens were carefully designed and fabricated. Cyclic loading tests were then conducted to examine seismic performances of RC frame specimens strengthened using the EPCW method. Two specimens were fully strengthened using stocky precast wall panels with different connection details while one specimen was strengthened only in column perimeter with slender precast wall panels. Test results showed that the strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of RC frame specimens strengthened by EPCWs were improved compared to control frame specimens without strengthening.