Title:
Lateral Response of Repaired Conventional and Hybrid Reinforced Concrete Bridge Piers
Author(s):
Sherif M. S. Osman, M. Shahria Alam, and Shamim A. Sheikh
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
123
Issue:
3
Appears on pages(s):
17-32
Keywords:
bridge piers; corrosion resistance; hybrid bridge piers; hybrid reinforcement; repair
DOI:
10.14359/51749314
Date:
5/1/2026
Abstract:
This study examines the lateral cyclic response of a repaired damaged bridge pier originally reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars, particularly glass FRP (GFRP), as a corrosion-resistant and durable alternative to traditional steel. An as-built large-scale hybrid (GFRP-steel) reinforced concrete (RC) column had an outer cage reinforced with GFRP bars and an inner cage reinforced with steel reinforcing bars. The columns were first tested under cyclic lateral loading, where the hybrid specimen demonstrated ductility and energy dissipation capacity comparable to a conventional single-layer steel RC column. Following these initial tests, both specimens were repaired using FRP wraps and retested under the same loading protocol, resulting in a total of four tests. Enhanced structural integrity and energy dissipation demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative repair techniques in seismic engineering. These findings provide a blueprint for resilient infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas and contribute to advancements in bridge design and repair strategies.
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