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<p>This paper proposes a practical displacement-based design methodology for the seismic retrofitting of existing low- and mid-rise pre-code reinforced concrete (RC) buildings using concentric steel braces. Current seismic codes, including Eurocode 8 – Part 3 (EC8-3), provide performance assessment criteria but offer no explicit guidance for the design of global retrofitting systems combining steel bracing and RC frames. To address this gap, the present work develops a step-by-step procedure that links target displacement to brace strength requirements, explicitly accounting for the interaction between the braces and the axial force-dependent deformation and shear capacities of RC columns. The procedure ensures compatibility with EC8-3 performance limits, prevents soft-storey formation, and enables a rational distribution of brace strength along the building height. The proposed methodology is validated through nonlinear static procedures applied to a representative set of synthetically generated low- and mid-rise pre-code RC buildings reflecting typical Portuguese construction practice. The results confirm that the methodology provides a transparent and implementable workflow capable of satisfying EC8-3 performance objectives while identifying possible local strengthening needs arising from brace-induced axial forces. The study demonstrates the potential of displacement-based procedures to support reliable and practice-oriented retrofitting strategies for existing RC frames using steel bracing.</p>

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Seismic retrofitting of RC frames with steel braces: a displacement-based design approach

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月9日

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  • Rodrigo Falcão Moreira,
  • Humberto Varum,
  • José Miguel Castro

摘要

This paper proposes a practical displacement-based design methodology for the seismic retrofitting of existing low- and mid-rise pre-code reinforced concrete (RC) buildings using concentric steel braces. Current seismic codes, including Eurocode 8 – Part 3 (EC8-3), provide performance assessment criteria but offer no explicit guidance for the design of global retrofitting systems combining steel bracing and RC frames. To address this gap, the present work develops a step-by-step procedure that links target displacement to brace strength requirements, explicitly accounting for the interaction between the braces and the axial force-dependent deformation and shear capacities of RC columns. The procedure ensures compatibility with EC8-3 performance limits, prevents soft-storey formation, and enables a rational distribution of brace strength along the building height. The proposed methodology is validated through nonlinear static procedures applied to a representative set of synthetically generated low- and mid-rise pre-code RC buildings reflecting typical Portuguese construction practice. The results confirm that the methodology provides a transparent and implementable workflow capable of satisfying EC8-3 performance objectives while identifying possible local strengthening needs arising from brace-induced axial forces. The study demonstrates the potential of displacement-based procedures to support reliable and practice-oriented retrofitting strategies for existing RC frames using steel bracing.