The Effects of Openings on a Precast Infill Wall Seismic Strengthening System

Many existing structures are in need of seismic rehabilitation to avoid undergoing catastrophic collapse during a severe seismic event. A new, potentially economical method of strengthening has been developed which uses precast concrete panels to create an infill wall in a concrete frame building. A large-scale model using this method has been tested with positive results at the University of Texas’ Phil M. Ferguson Structural Engineering Laboratory. The subject of this report is an investigation into the effect of architecturally required openings on the precast infill system.

To examine the effects of such openings on the precast panel infill system, selected panels were removed from the original model to create first a window, and then a doorway in the wall. Tests were performed on the structure in each configuration in the same manner as the previous research.

The performance of the system in each of these configurations is evaluated, and the results are compared with behavior of the full infill. The experimental results are also compared with calculations of the wall’s strength and stiffness using conventional methods, including ACI design procedures. Finally, commentary is provided on the performance of the system with openings, and areas of caution and potential improvement are suggested.