Use of timber panels to reduce the seismic vulnerability of concrete frame structures

This paper discusses a seismic retrofit method that is intended for reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures and sees the replacement of existing masonry infills with timber structural panels. The intervention aimed at enhancing overall behaviour buildings without modifying original system. In presented research over 200 finite-element models comprising bare, masonry-infilled retrofitted single-storey single-bay frames were subjected to nonlinear static analyses. response timber-infilled was then optimised, thus enabling definition few simple design rules guide implementation Subsequently, efficacy proposed solution further investigated by applying timber-based an entire case-study building modelled via finite elements pushover analysis. comparison results obtained in configurations indicates system can favour development ductile behaviours improve RC significantly.