Title: Toward Safe and Efficient Use of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer for Repair and Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Author(s): Emmanuel Vougioukas, Christos A. Zeris, and Michael D. Kotsovos

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 102

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 525-534

Keywords: reinforced concrete; repair; shear; strength

DOI: 10.14359/14556

Date: 7/1/2005

Abstract:
The experimental work described herein investigates the applicability of the compressive-force path (CFP) method in the repair and/or strengthening of reinforced-concrete (RC) beam-columns, using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. This investigation is based on test results of eight linear members, tested at the Reinforced Concrete Laboratory of the National Technical University of Athens, under different normalized axial load and shear span-to-depth ratios. These specimens had been previously tested and subsequently repaired or strengthened using FRP sheets. For purpose of comparison, either the truss analogy (TA) theory currently adopted, or the CFP method are used for redesign. All specimens are retested under constant axial load and cyclic transverse load, similar to the virgin control specimens. Retest results indicate that, unlike specimens repaired/strengthened by conventional methods that failed early in a brittle manner, all the members repaired by the CFP method reached both the redesign strength and the ductility levels inherent in current earthquake-resistant performance-based design.