Numerical quantification of damage reduction in frames retrofitted with FRP bands as bracing elements

This research proposes a new approach to the implementation of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP) for the retrofitting of structures vulnerable to earthquakes. In this work, it is suggested to connect the nodes of the frames with FRP bands as Saint Andrew's crosses. To show the viability of the approach, it is first developed the mathematical analysis of the behavior of retrofitted and un-retrofitted frames based on lumped damage mechanics. Then, it is proceeded to the structural validation via numerical simulations. The proposed technique was used to analyze the levels of damage present in a building that collapsed during the Cariaco earthquake, the Raimundo Martínez Centeno high school.