ABSTRACT

This paper presents the general planning of the experimental investigation on an existing gravity-load designed (GLD) reinforced concrete (RC) building, seismically retrofitted through different techniques. In particular, the work focuses on two metal-based bracing solutions: 1) a steel eccentric bracing system, with a vertical link, directly attached to the concrete slab; 2) a steel concentric bracing system, with buckling-inhibited braces (BIB). The whole research program comprises also either a concentric bracing solution, with braces made-up of shape memory alloys, or a seismic repairing intervention, using carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for reinforcing the columns of the building. For these last alternative solutions, only a qualitative description will be offered.