Abstract
Cross-bracing (X-bracing) is one of the most popular methods of seismic retrofitting, and has been shown to significantly increase the structural stiffness and strength of buildings. Conventional steel X-bracing methods typically exhibit brittle failure at the connection between the brace and the building, or buckling failure of the braces. This study investigated the structural properties of a new type of non-compression X-bracing system using carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC). This non-compression X-bracing system uses CFCC bracing and bolt connections between structural members and the terminal fixer of the CFCC, instead of conventional steel bracing. The aim is to overcome the brittle and buckling failures that can occur at the connection and bracings with conventional steel X-bracing methods. We carried out cyclic loading tests, and the maximum load carrying capacity and deformation were investigated, as well as hysteresis in the lateral load–drift relations. The test results revealed that the CFCC X-bracing system installed in reinforced concrete frames enhanced the strength markedly, and buckling failure of the bracing was not observed.
Highlights
Existing earthquake-resistance methods focus primarily on encasing reinforced concrete (RC)columns using steel or fiber composite materials
We report the seismic performance of an RC frame reinforced with carbon fiber composite cable (CFCC) X-bracing using cyclic loading tests, andtests, the maximum load carrying deformation were characterized, as well as as hysteresis loading and the maximum load capacity carrying and capacity and deformation were characterized, well as of the lateral load–drift relation
We have investigated the structural properties of CFCC X-bracing systems designed to improve the earthquake resistance of RC structures using cyclic loading tests
Summary
Existing earthquake-resistance methods focus primarily on encasing reinforced concrete (RC). Scale tests for seven-story RC buildings reinforced using steel bracing have been reported, and an enhancement of vertical and horizontal resistance was found just prior to buckling failure of the bracing in response to earthquake loadings [10]. They verified that the carbon fiber anchors have advantages compared with conventional steel X-bracing systems, including an improved strength-to-weight ratio of carbon fiber, compression-free bracing, and confinement using carbon fiber sheets at the brittle concrete-steel joint area. They reported that further work is needed to optimize details of the connection between the carbon fiber bracing and columns.
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