PSD tests on two full-scale models of existing non-seismic resisting RC frame structures are
described. The testing program covered several aspects, namely assessment of seismic
performance of existing frames without and with infill panels, retrofitting of the bare frame
using Selective Retrofitting techniques, strengthening of the infill panels using shotcrete and
retrofitting of the frame using K-bracing with shear-link dissipators. The main results from
the tests are summarized and discussed and the conclusions are drawn. The tests on the bare
frame have shown how vulnerable are existing structures constructed in the 60’s and the
beneficial effects of infill panels were confirmed from the tests on the infilled frame.
Important improvements, in terms of seismic performance, were achieved by the retrofitting
of the frames. However, it was also confirmed that strengthening of the existing infill panels
in poorly detailed frames may lead to dangerous ‘local’ failures, such as the shear out of the
external columns
