Enhancing Seismic Responses: Retrofitting 5 and 7-Story RC Frames with Tension and Compression RSFJ and SSI Considerations in Pulse-Like Earthquake Scenarios

Examining soil-structure interaction (SSI) stands as a crucial factor impacting a structure’s performance during an earthquake. The interplay between a building’s foundation and the underlying soil holds the potential to significantly influence its dynamic response. Neglecting SSI can result in overly cautious or impractical retrofitting designs. This research delves into the seismic retrofitting of 5 and 7-story 2D reinforced concrete (RC) frames employing the Resilient Slip Friction Joint (RSFJ), with a primary emphasis on addressing Soil-Structure Interaction and the seismic response under earthquake excitation resembling Pulse-like ground motions. The structural model is constructed using Finite Element Method (FEM) software, specifically OpenSeesPy, which incorporates SSI into the analysis. The study aims to shed light on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of buildings of varying heights, particularly 5 and 7 stories, when they undergo retrofitting with RSFJ, while taking into consideration the influence of SSI.