Application of ACM Brace Retrofitting Countermeasure to Steel Structure

Abstract

An advanced seismic retrofitting work for steel building structure with a doubtful seismic perfor-mance using ACM (Advanced Composite Material) bracing method, which consists of CFRP (Car-bon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) rod and steel sleeve, was proposed in this paper. In order to save a lot of residents’ lives against a large-damaged earthquake, the retrofitting work using ACM bracing method to steel story building structure built by an old earthquake resistant design code was con-ducted. ACM bracing method was more economically and quickly applied to steel two-story build-ing structures in comparison with the steel K-shaped bracing method used as before. This kind of retrofitting countermeasure will lead to an extreme decrease in earthquake damages for the existing old steel building structures built by some old earthquake resistant design codes.