Abstract
FRP blocks are effectively used for reduction of cost and period of time for seismic retrofit of building frames, because they can be manufactured in plants and attached to the existing frame easily. However, in the current process of retrofit, the effect of installing blocks on the forces in the existing frame is not appropriately considered. In this study, a shape optimization approach is presented for improving mechanical property and reducing the section forces of existing frame members. The existing beams, columns, and the members in latticed blocks are modeled using beam elements, and the contact between members are evaluated using the penalty approach. It is shown that various shapes can be generated by solving nonlinear programming problems considering structural weight of latticed blocks, horizontal stiffness of the frame, and the shear forces of the existing beam.
