The introduction of un-bonded post-tensioned tendons or bars in the critical zone for the struc- tural repair and retrofitting of structural R/C walls is investigated by means of non linear FE analyses. The numerical models are validated through comparison against…
The introduction of un-bonded post-tensioned tendons or bars in the critical zone for the struc- tural repair and retrofitting of structural R/C walls is investigated by means of non linear FE analyses. The numerical models are validated through comparison against experimental data on a 1:1 scaled traditional shear walls undergoing cyclic loadings. Comparative pushover and seismic analyses were performed. The results showed that the introduction of unbonded post tensioned tendons concentrates the damage in a single large crack opening at the wall base section, whereas traditional walls develop an extended crack pat- tern over the critical zone. Despite similar behaviour is observed in terms of top storey maximum displace- ment, in case of post-tensioned structural walls the elastic behaviour of the post-tensioned bars, while reduc- ing the energy dissipation capacity of the structure, avoids any residual displacement after a seismic event, thus limiting structural damage even under a design seismic event.