Computational issues of hinged walls used as retrofitting of existing RC frames

In recent years hinged walls have been implemented as a retrofit technique for existing RC buildings. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed solution on different frame typolo- gies, non-linear 2D pushover analyses have been carried out. Two main configurations were adopted, representing an inner frame with weak beams and strong columns and a side frame with strong beams and weak columns, respectively. The study shows that some computational aspects are of fundamental importance in providing reliable results, namely: the dead load distribution on the beams and the moment-axial force interaction in the columns. The hinged wall technique proves to be an effective retrofit solution only if conceived properly for each structural typology; whilst in some cases it may be detrimental when applied in the traditional way. Some new configurations are herein proposed based on new connection layouts in order to be suitable for the different typologies of existing RC frames.