Seismic Rehabilitation of Deficient Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures Using Steel Bracing and Shear Wall Systems: A Systematic Review of Analytical Evaluation Techniques, Performance Outcomes, and Emerging Research Priorities

The seismic fragility of existing reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures, particularly those conceived prior to the implementation of contemporary seismic design provisions, constitutes a critical structural safety challenge across seismically active territories such as India. Seismic rehabilitation the deliberate strengthening of structurally deficient systems has been established as both technically validated and economically justified for enhancing the earthquake response of such buildings. Among available rehabilitation strategies, steel bracing systems and RC shear walls have attracted the greatest volume of research investigation owing to their demonstrated structural efficacy, constructability, and compatibility with existing RC frame systems. This paper presents a systematic and critically informed review of the published research addressing the seismic performance assessment of RC buildings retrofitted with steel bracing and shear walls, synthesising evidence from over two decades of literature spanning 2007 to 2025. The review is organised into four interconnected thematic domains: (i) the seismic vulnerability characteristics of existing RC frame buildings; (ii) the structural mechanics, configurations, and performance attributes of steel bracing and shear wall retrofit systems; (iii) the application of Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) and Nonlinear Static Pushover Analysis (NSPA) as complementary evaluation methodologies; and (iv) the role of ETABS as the dominant computational platform in Indian seismic engineering research. A synthesised performance comparison matrix is presented, consolidating findings on storey displacement reduction, inter-storey drift reduction, base shear augmentation, and performance level attainment across studies. Critical research gaps are identified including the underrepresentation of low-to-mid-rise (G+4 to G+7) RC frame buildings, the limited incorporation of soil–structure interaction in retrofit models, and the absence of life-cycle cost frameworks in comparative retrofit assessments and targeted directions for future investigation are proposed. The conclusions of this review are intended to serve as a rigorous scholarly reference for researchers, practising structural engineers, and regulatory authorities engaged in the seismic rehabilitation of the built environment.