A novel strengthening technique against short column failure in RC structures: SIFCON panels

In this study, a new strengthening method has been developed against possible short column damage, which is one of the dangerous damages that may cause the collapse of buildings in reinforced concrete columns. For this purpose, 14 reinforced concrete frame tests with 1/3 geometric scale, which differ from each other in the ground floor infill wall lengths, were carried out. 5 of the reinforced concrete frames were produced as reference specimens, and in 9 specimens, short columns in reinforced concrete frames were strengthened with various panel types produced using SIFCON (Slurry Infiltrated Fiber Concrete), an ultra-performance special concrete. In the study, the effects of SIFCON panels on short column damages were examined by evaluating the test results in terms of strength, energy consumption, stiffness, ductility and damage formation. Against the short column effects, it was determined that the specimens strengthened with S3 type panels placed along the short column showed the best performance. The load carrying capacities of the strengthened specimens were found to be higher, varying between 34 and 80%, compared to the reference specimens with the same characteristics. In addition, it was observed that the initial stiffness and cumulative energy consumption values of strengthened specimens reached up to 2 and 2.25 times, respectively, compared to the reference specimens with the same characteristics.