In this study, a new RCSF (Reinforced Concrete Steel Frame) external connection method is proposed for seismic strengthening of medium-and low-rise reinforced concrete buildings. The RCSF method, proposed in this study, is capable of carrying out the seismic retrofitting construction while residents can live inside structures. The method is one of the strength design approach by retrofit which can easily increase the ultimate lateral load capacity of concrete buildings controlled by shear. The pseudo-dynamic test, designed using a existing school building in Korea, was carried out in order to verify the seismic strengthening effects of the proposed method in terms of the maximum load carrying capacity and ductility. Test results revealed that the proposed RCSF strengthening method installed in RC frame enhanced conspicuously the strength and displacement capacities, and the method can resist markedly under the large scaled earthquake intensity level.

• 이강석(전남대학교 건축공학과 부교수) | Kang-Seok Lee Corresponding author