Author

SANADA, Y.; MAIDIAWATI
Toyohashi University of Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Abstract

This paper proposes a wood interlocking block infill to prevent nonductile R/C buildings from collapsing, and discusses its efficiency through experimental and analytical investigations. A series of seismic loading tests were conducted using single-story, single-bay R/C frame specimens with/without installing the proposed block infill to verify its contributions. As a result, the seismic performance, particularly axial resistance and ductility, of the overall frame was significantly improved by installing the block infill. Moreover, based on the test results, an analytical study was also conducted to clarify the distinctive characteristics of the proposed infill. Probabilistic analyses were carried out focusing on a nonductile R/C building damaged during the 2007 Sumatra, Indonesia earthquakes. Comparing the probabilities of collapse for three cases – without infills, with typical brick infills, and with the proposed infills, an alternative seismic retrofit strategy to prevent building collapses and to save human lives was described.

Key words
Collapse prevention, earthquake response analysis, existing building, masonry infill, seismic upgrade, structural test