Earthquake protection of reinforced concrete structures with infill walls using PUFJ and FRPU systems

Advancements in technology and material sciences lead new solutions to be used in civil engineering. PolyUrethane Flexible Joints (PUFJ) and Fiber Reinforced PolyUrethanes (FRPU) are among those innovative solutions. PUFJ implemented systems comprise of seismic preventive buffer material between masonry infill walls and reinforced concrete (RC) frames, whereas FRPU solution is designed for covering the wall surfaces with thin composite strips. Both methods are primarily developed for increasing the ductility capacities of buildings while sustaining the overall structural strength without compromising on the safety of these systems against earthquakes. In this article, test results of the quasi-static cyclic experiments as well as dynamic tests on the shake tables including harmonic forces operating in resonance are presented. Moreover, numerical analyses are performed in order to comprehend the behavior of PUFJ implemented frames constituted with different masonry materials than above which are under various loading conditions. The outcomes confirmed the high efficiency of the proposed solutions, which at the same time meet the strict requirements of the modern seismic standards.