Targeted in-Plane Seismic Strengthening of Prefabricated RC Structures Using a Novel Damper Configuration

The seismic vulnerability of reinforced-concrete prefabricated structures (RC-PS) has been repeatedly demonstrated following major earthquakes in Türkiye, notably the 1999 Kocaeli and 2023 Kahramanmaraş events. These failures have underscored the urgent need for effective retrofit strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of RC-PS systems commonly found in the region. This study proposes and investigates a novel application of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) with a unique X-direction corner configuration specifically designed for pin-connected RC-PS structures. A representative three-dimensional nonlinear model, incorporating realistic joint behavior and equivalent infill wall struts, was developed to simulate typical structural response. FVDs were modeled using Maxwell-based link elements. Nonlinear time-history analyses (NTHA) were performed using bidirectional ground motions across a range of soil conditions. The effectiveness of the proposed retrofit approach was evaluated based on structural and joint demand-to-capacity (D/C) ratios, plastic energy dissipation, and effective damping. The findings offer new insights into targeted energy dissipation strategies for vulnerable prefabricated systems and contribute to performance-based retrofit design in seismic-prone regions.