Evaluation of seismic performance of reinforced concrete columns retrofitted with steel links

The replaceable steel link (RSL) system enhances seismic performance by addressing early brace buckling found in conventional brace systems. This innovative system features a sliding slot, allowing for lateral steel link movement in response to column displacements, which effectively delays buckling. This study builds upon previous research introducing the RSL system and delves into the previously unexplored effect of the sliding slot length on the system's dynamic behavior. Experimental results showed that shorter sliding slots delayed the onset of shear cracks and concrete spalling, particularly when subjected to eccentric lateral loads. Retrofitted specimens exhibited a load capacity 1.5 times greater than their non-retrofitted specimen, irrespective of the slot length. The difference between the experimental and calculated shear strengths was a mere 4%, with a deviation from the FEMA 356 design criteria of approximately 12%. Therefore, the viability of using existing design criteria to predict the hysteretic behavior of retrofitted columns with the RSL system has been confirmed.