Targeted in-plane seismic strengthening of prefabricated rc structures using a novel damper configuration

Abstract

The seismic vulnerability of reinforced-concrete prefabricated structures (RC-PS) has been repeatedly demonstrated following major earthquakes in T & uuml;rkiye, notably the 1999 Kocaeli and 2023 Kahramanmara & scedil; events. These failures have underscored the urgent need for effective retrofit strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of RC-PS systems commonly found in the region. This study proposes and investigates a novel application of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) with a unique X-direction corner configuration specifically designed for pin-connected RC-PS structures. A representative three-dimensional nonlinear model, incorporating realistic joint behavior and equivalent infill wall struts, was developed to simulate typical structural response. FVDs were modeled using Maxwell-based link elements. Nonlinear time-history analyses (NTHA) were performed using bidirectional ground motions across a range of soil conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed retrofit approach was evaluated based on structural and joint demand-to-capacity (D/C) ratios, plastic energy dissipation, and effective damping. The findings offer new insights into targeted energy dissipation strategies for vulnerable prefabricated systems and contribute to performance-based retrofit design in seismic-prone regions.