Research of Seismic Brace Using Aramid Fiber Rope to Retrofit Building

Year 2020, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 74 - 88, 01.12.2020

Yuho Inoue Osamu Takahashı

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop aramid fiber rope for structural reinforcement of existing building with a good workability. This study focusing on a seismic brace using an aramid fiber rope for the timber houses. In this paper we propose 2 types of joint, wedge joint and joint by hand-tie. To perform the best of fiber’s strength, the wedge type of joint is optimized to avoid stress concentration on the fiber rope. Moreover, the workability for assembling the fiber rope to the joint at the construction site, which includes the unraveled fiber degree and the deviation of the fiber density at the rope end, are investigated. On the other hand, hand-tie method is proposed assuming situation under no subsidy and needs in first-aid solution for structural reinforcement. The knots of hand-tie are optimized by a tensile test. Finally, the developed seismic brace is attached to a wooden frame and load bearing wall tests are carried out. Through experimental results, the effect of the seismic brace using the aramid fiber rope is confirmed. Also, points to be noted when assembling the fiber rope at the construction site become clear.

Keywords

Seismic brace, Fiber rope, Aseismic reinforcement, Aramid Fiber, Timber structure

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