Seismic Rehabilitation of Infilled Reinforced Concrete Moment Frames Using Rocking Wall Systems

Authors

  • Hossein Ghafouri Nattaj Pishgaman Tarh-e Tose-e Novavari Engineering Company, Rasht, Iran.
  • Hossein Moez Department of Civil Engineering, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.
  • Ali Hooshmad Aini * Department of Civil Engineering, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.82

Abstract

This study investigates the seismic rehabilitation of existing reinforced concrete (RC) moment frames with masonry infill walls using a rocking wall system. A 5-story RC building originally designed according to older Iranian seismic codes (Standard 2800, 3rd edition) was selected as a case study. The structure was analyzed in two configurations: 1) original frame with infill walls (without retrofit), and 2) frame retrofitted with a post-tensioned rocking wall system. Nonlinear static pushover analyses were performed using SAP2000, with verification in OpenSees. Results show that the rocking wall system significantly improves seismic performance. Roof displacement decreased by approximately 66% (from 10.8 cm to 3.6 cm), inter-story drift ratios reduced by 65–78% to within allowable limits (≤0.0055), and plastic hinge formation was controlled within acceptable levels (IO and LS). The rocking wall effectively dissipated seismic energy while protecting primary structural elements. However, residual deformations and construction complexity remain challenges. The rocking wall system is confirmed as an effective rehabilitation technique for infilled RC frames in high-seismic regions.

Keywords:

Seismic rehabilitation, Rocking wall, infill wall, RC moment frame, Pushover analysis, SAP2000, OpenSees

References

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Published

2026-05-24

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Ghafouri Nattaj, H., Moez, H., & Hooshmad Aini, A. (2026). Seismic Rehabilitation of Infilled Reinforced Concrete Moment Frames Using Rocking Wall Systems. Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering, 3(2), 117-126. https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v3i2.82

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