Analysis of FRP-Strengthened RC Beam-Column Joints

Analytical models are presented in this study for the analysis of reinforced concrete joints strengthened with composite materials in the form of externally bonded reinforcement comprising unidirectional strips or flexible fabrics. The models provide equations for stresses and strains at various stages of the response (before or after yielding of the beam or column reinforcement) until the ultimate capacity is reached, defined by concrete crushing or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) failure due to fracture or debonding. Solutions to these equations are obtained numerically. The models provide useful information on the shear capacity of FRP-strengthened joints in terms of the quantity and configuration of the externally bonded reinforcement and may be used to design FRP patching for inadequately detailed beam-column joints. A number of case studies are examined in this article, indicating that even low quantities of FRP materials may provide significant enhancement of the shear capacity. The effectiveness of external reinforcement increases considerably if debonding is suppressed and depends heavily on the distribution of layers in the beam and column. The latter depends on the relative quantities of steel reinforcement crossing the joint panel and the level of axial load in the column. Analytical shear strength predictions were in good agreement with test results found in the literature, thus adding confidence to the validity of the proposed models.     

Seismic Response of FRP-Upgraded Exterior RC Beam-Column Joints

Shear failure of exterior beam-column joints is identified as the principal cause of collapse of many moment-resisting frame buildings during recent earthquakes. Effective and economical strengthening techniques to upgrade joint shear resistance and ductility in existing structures are needed. In this paper, efficiency and effectiveness of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets in upgrading the shear strength and ductility of seismically deficient exterior beam-column joints have been studied. Four as-built joints were constructed with nonoptimal design parameters (inadequate joint shear strength with no transverse reinforcement) representing preseismic code design construction practice of joints and encompassing most of existing beam-column connections. Out of these four as-built specimens, two specimens were used as baseline specimens (control specimens) and other two were strengthened with CFRP sheets under two different schemes (strengthened specimens). In the first scheme, CFRP sheets were epoxy bonded to joint, beams, and part of the column regions. In the second scheme, however, sheets were epoxy bonded to joint region only but they were effectively prevented against any possible debonding through mechanical anchorages. All of these four subassemblages were subjected to cyclic lateral load histories so as to provide the equivalent of severe earthquake damage. The damaged control specimens were then repaired by filling their cracks through epoxy and externally bonding them with CFRP sheets under the same above two schemes. These repaired specimens were subjected to the similar cyclic lateral load history and their response histories were obtained. Response histories of control, repaired, and strengthened specimens were then compared. The results were compared through hysteretic loops, load-displacement envelopes, column profiles, joint shear distortion, ductility, and stiffness degradation. The comparison shows that CFRP sheets are very effective in improving shear resistance and deformation capacity of the exterior beam-column joints and delaying their stiffness degradation.     

Seismic Rehabilitation of Corner RC Beam-Column Joints Using CFRP Composites

In this paper, efficiency and effectiveness of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) in upgrading the shear strength and ductility of seismically deficient corner or knee reinforced concrete beam-column joints have been studied. For this purpose, four as-built corner/knee joints were constructed with no transverse reinforcement, representing extreme case of preseismic code design construction practice of joints and encompassing many existing beam-column corner joints. Out of these four as-built specimens, two specimens were used as baseline specimens (control specimens) and other two were strengthened with CFRP sheets under two different schemes (strengthened specimens). In the first scheme, CFRP sheets were epoxy bonded to joint, beams, and part of the column regions. In the second scheme, however, sheets were epoxy bonded to joint region only but they were effectively prevented against any possible debonding through mechanical anchorages. All these four subassemblages were subjected to cyclic lateral load histories to simulate loading due to earthquake and provide the equivalent of severe earthquake damage. The damaged control specimens were then repaired by filling their cracks through epoxy and externally bonding them with CFRP sheets under the same above two schemes. These repaired specimens were subjected to the similar cyclic lateral load history and their response histories were obtained. Response histories of control, repaired, and strengthened specimens were then compared. The results were compared through hysteretic loops, load-displacement envelopes, column profiles, ductility, and stiffness degradation. The comparison shows that CFRP sheets are very effective in improving shear resistance and deformation capacity of the corner beam-column joints and delaying their stiffness degradation. Shear capacities of control, repaired, and strengthened specimens were also predicted using writers’ published formulation. The predicted shear capacities were in a good agreement with the experimental values.     

Seismic Behavior of As-Built, ACI-Complying, and CFRP-Repaired Exterior RC Beam-Column Joints

In this paper, the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets for upgrading the shear strength and ductility of a seismically deficient exterior beam-column joint were studied and compared with an American Concrete Institute (ACI)-based design joint specimen. One as-built joint specimen, representing the preseismic code design and construction practice for joints and one ACI-based design joint specimen, satisfying the seismic design requirements of the current code of practice were cast. The as-built specimen was used as baseline (control) specimen. These two specimens (i.e., the as-built control and the ACI-based specimens) were subjected to cyclic lateral load histories to induce damage equivalent to damage expected from a severe earthquake. The damaged control specimen was then repaired by filling its cracks with epoxy and externally bonding CFRP sheets to the joint, the beam, and part of the column regions. This specimen was identified as the repaired specimen. The repaired specimen was subjected to a similar cyclic lateral load history, and its response history was recorded. The response histories of the as-built control, the repaired, and the ACI-based design specimen were then compared. The test results demonstrated that externally bonded CFRP sheets can effectively improve both the shear strength and the deformation capacity of seismically deficient and damaged beam-column joints to a state comparable to the ACI-based design joint.     

Experimental Study of Interfacial Shear Stresses in FRP-Strengthened RC Beams

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the distribution of shear stresses along the interface between concrete and the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) in 29 plate-strengthened beams, where the primary test variables are: Clear cover, plate length, plate thickness (area), and compressive strength of concrete. FRP strain measurement was accomplished using either the photographic technique of digital image correlation or a series of electrical-resistance strain gages, both providing similar results. The distribution of shear stresses is found to be smoother than predicted by several analytical expressions available in the literature. Another substantial observation is the existence of a second region of peak stress, occurring near the center of the shear span in all of the beams with longer plate lengths, which the authors believe is associated with the singular application of shear corresponding to the point load, as well as the transition from elastic to plastic behavior occurring in the rebar. Because the overall nature of the stress distribution is sufficiently smooth, it is very reasonable to approximate it as a constant stress.     

Seismic Response of Interior RC Beam-Column Joints Upgraded with FRP Sheets. I: Experimental Study

In this paper, efficiency and effectiveness of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) in upgrading the shear strength and ductility of seismically deficient beam-column joints have been studied. For this purpose, four reinforced concrete interior beam-column sub-assemblages were constructed with nonoptimal design parameters (inadequate joint shear strength with no transverse reinforcement) representing preseismic code design construction practice of joints and encompassing the vast majority of existing beam-column connections. Out of these four, two specimens were used as baseline specimens (control specimens) and the other two were strengthened with CFRP sheets under two different schemes (strengthened specimens). In the first scheme, CFRP sheets were epoxy bonded to the joint, beams, and part of the column regions. In the second scheme, however, sheets were epoxy bonded to the joint region only but they were effectively prevented against any possible debonding through mechanical anchorages. All four subassemblages were subjected to cyclic lateral load histories so as to provide the equivalent of severe earthquake damage. Further, the damaged control specimens were repaired after filling the cracks through epoxy and wrapping them with CFRP sheets under the same two above-mentioned schemes. These repaired specimens were subjected to the similar cyclic lateral load history and their response histories were obtained. Hence, a total of six specimens were tested: two control; two strengthened; and two repaired. Response histories of control, repaired, and strengthened specimens were then compared. The results were compared through hysteretic loops, load-displacement envelopes, column profiles (maximum horizontal displacements of column along its height), joint shear distortion, ductility, and stiffness degradation. The comparison shows that CFRP sheets improve the shear resistance of the joint and increase its ductility. Results of two chosen schemes of strengthening were also compared and the importance of beam upgrading was highlighted.     

State of Research on Seismic Retrofit of RC Beam-Column Joints with Externally Bonded FRP

A considerable amount of research has been directed recently toward understanding and promoting the use of externally applied fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. In this paper, a comprehensive review and synthesis of published experimental studies on the seismic rehabilitation of RC frame beam-column joints with FRP is presented, and the issues that need to be addressed for further research are discussed. In addition, the paper presents a simple design model for predicting the contribution of the FRP to the shear strength of retrofitted joints. The key element in the model is the derivation of an expression for the effective FRP strain, based on the calibration of test data reported in the literature. A total of 54 tests carried out worldwide were considered in the review, and a database of the published studies, encompassing all relevant design parameters, was assembled. The reported test results confirm the structural effectiveness of the FRP strengthening technique for the seismic retrofit of RC joints. However, there are some gaps which need to be addressed. For instance, there is a lack of a rationale explanation of the resistance mechanisms involved in the beam-column joints retrofitted with FRP. Such a rational explanation is a prerequisite for the development of more comprehensive and rigorous design procedure.     

Seismic Rehabilitation of Reinforced Concrete Frame Interior Beam-Column Joints with FRP Composites

An experimental research program is described regarding the use of externally applied carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) jackets for seismic rehabilitation of reinforced concrete interior beam-column joints, which were designed for gravity loads. The joints had steel reinforcement details that are known to be inadequate by current seismic codes in terms of joint shear capacity due to the absence of transverse steel hoops and bond capacity of beam bottom steel reinforcing bars at the joint. Lap splicing of beam bottom steel reinforcement at the joint using externally applied longitudinal CFRP composite laminates is investigated. Improvement of joint shear capacity using diagonal CFRP composite laminates is another strengthening scheme employed. Concrete crack widths for the as-built specimens and the extent of CFRP delamination for the rehabilitated specimens at various drift ratios are reported. The test results indicate that CFRP jackets are an effective rehabilitation measure for improving the seismic performance of existing beam-column joints with inadequate seismic details in terms of increased joint shear strength and inelastic rotation capacity. In addition, CFRP laminates are effective rehabilitation measures for overcoming problems associated with beam bottom steel bars that have inadequate embedment into the beam-column joints.     

Failure Analysis of FRP-Strengthened RC Beams

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) application is a very effective way to repair and strengthen structures that have become structurally inefficient over their life span. This paper investigates the applicability of existing models for the prediction of debonding failure in RC beams externally strengthened with FRP. It is very important to predict the limit at which FRP debonds from the beam in order to arrest premature failures. The existing models lack the thoroughness of bond predictability. This is mainly due to the development models on the basis of small amount of tested data. Hence, there is a need to compare the existing work to an extensive database of strengthened beams. Existing experimental work was collected from literature to create a database of 163 beams tested in three point and four point bending tests. Various models are applied to this database and behavior of each model is analyzed using statistical parameters and degree of uncertainty in prediction.     

Experimental Investigation of Bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Concrete Joints under Cyclic Loading

The strengthening of reinforced concrete structures by means of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) is becoming an attractive technique for upgrading existing structures. Although previous laboratory investigations have shown that the bending capacities of beams can be increased considerably with this strengthening technique, premature failure by debonding of the FRP reinforcement can often limit its effectiveness. To gain insight into debonding phenomena, various experimental and analytical investigations of the behavior of bonded FRP-to-concrete joints have been carried out. However, such studies have generally been limited to monotonic (“static”) loading conditions. In this paper, we present results from an experimental investigation of bonded FRP-to-concrete joints under cyclic loading. First, we describe the experimental setup and test parameters. Next experimental results for the effects of cyclic loading on slip at the FRP–concrete interface, crack opening, and strain profiles along the bonded FRP joint are presented and discussed. A power-law expression for the so-called “S–N” curves (cyclic stress ranges versus numbers of cycles to failure) is proposed, and the parameters in this expression are determined from the experimental data. The influence of various parameters such as bond length, bond width, and cyclic bond stress levels on fatigue behavior are discussed.     

Intermediate Crack Debonding in FRP-Strengthened RC Beams: FE Analysis and Strength Model

Reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened in flexure with a bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) plate may fail by intermediate crack (IC) debonding, in which debonding initiates at a critical section in the high moment region and propagates to a plate end. This paper first presents a finite-element (FE) model based on the smeared crack approach for concrete for the numerical simulation of the IC debonding process. This finite-element model includes two novel features: (1) the interfacial behavior within the major flexural crack zone is differentiated from that outside this zone and (2) the effect of local slip concentrations near a flexural crack is captured using a dual local debonding criterion. The FE model is shown to be accurate through comparisons with the results of 42 beam tests. The paper also presents an accurate and simple strength model based on interfacial shear stress distributions from finite-element analyses. The new strength model is shown to be accurate through comparisons with the test results of 77 beams, including the 42 beams used in verifying the FE model, and is suitable for direct use in design.     

Experimental Investigation on Torsional Behavior of Solid and Box-Section RC Beams Strengthened with CFRP Using Photogrammetry

The construction boom over the last century has resulted in a mature infrastructure network in developed countries. Lately, the issue of maintenance and repair/upgrading of existing structures has become a major issue, particularly in the area of bridges. Fiber- reinforced polymer (FRP) has shown great promise as a state-of-the-art material in flexural and shear strengthening as external reinforcement, but information on its applicability in torsional strengthening is limited. The need for torsional strengthening in bridge box girders is highlighted by the Westgate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia, one of the largest strengthening projects in the world for externally bonded carbon FRP (CFRP) laminates. This paper reports the experimental work in an overall investigation of torsional strengthening of solid and box-section reinforced concrete beams with externally bonded carbon FRP. This was found to be a viable method of torsional strengthening. Photogrammetry was a noncontact measuring technique used in the investigation. The deformation mechanisms were found to be unchanged in the strengthened specimens. Furthermore, it was found that the crack widths were reduced and aggregate interlocking action improved with the strengthened beams.     

Postrepair Fatigue Performance of FRP-Repaired Corroded RC Beams: Experimental and Analytical Investigation

This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study of the fatigue performance of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams repaired with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. Ten RC beam specimens (152×254×3,200?mm) were constructed. One specimen was neither strengthened nor corroded to serve as a reference; three specimens were corroded and not repaired; another three specimens were corroded and repaired with U-shaped glass FRP sheets that wrapped the cross section of the specimen; and the remaining three specimens were corroded and repaired with U-shaped glass FRP sheets for wrapping and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets for flexural strengthening. The FRP sheets were applied after the main reinforcing bars were corroded to an average mass loss of 5.5%. Following FRP repair, some specimens were tested immediately to failure, while the other repaired specimens were subjected to further corrosion before being tested to failure to investigate their postrepair (long-term) performance. Reinforcement steel pitting due to corrosion reduced the fatigue life significantly. The FRP wrapping had no significant effect on the fatigue performance, while using CFRP sheets for flexural strengthening enhanced the fatigue performance significantly. The fatigue results were compared to smooth specimen fatigue data to estimate an equivalent fatigue notch factor for the main reinforcing bars of the tested specimens.     

Experimental Investigation on Seismic Retrofitting of Square RC Columns by Carbon FRP Sheet Confinement Combined with Transverse Short Glass FRP Bars in Bored Holes

Jacketing is less effective to large square/rectangular RC columns due to the inability of the rectangular-shaped jacket in restraining the dilation of concrete in the middle of a straight side. A new retrofit method is proposed in this work by fiber reinforcing the surface concrete in the middle of a straight side. Fiber reinforcing is achieved by inserting small fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars into the concrete in the plastic hinge zone. The inserted FRP bars act as horizontal reinforcement to increase the ductility of the concrete in a similar way as that in normal fiber-reinforced concrete. When this fiber reinforcing technique is combined with the conventional jacketing, the concrete in all parts of a cross section may be effectively confined. In this work, experimental tests were undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of this new retrofit technique. Six half-scaled columns were tested and the test results demonstrated the effectiveness of the method.     

Modeling of IC Debonding of FRP-Strengthened Concrete Flexural Members

The presence of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strengthening material bonded to the tension face of a reinforced concrete beam will restrict but not prevent the opening of intermediate flexural cracks due to applied loading. Test results indicate that displacements at the toe of flexural cracks create stress concentrations at the interface of the FRP laminate and the beam, leading to the development of localized interface cracks that, typically, propagate, under the effect of the load, to join the original flexural cracks and cause delamination of the FRP system. This type of FRP delamination is commonly termed intermediate crack (IC) debonding. In this paper the analytical models published in the literature are reviewed and it was found that these models do not correlate well with measured experimental results. This paper proposes an analytical model that characterizes the interface shear stress based on two distinct sources: (1) the change in the applied moments along the length of the member and (2) stress concentrations at the intermediate cracks. The proposed model is compared to an experimental database and shown to predict extremely well most of the test results reported by other researchers. A parametric study, performed using the proposed model, indicates that the model varies with several important variables that are not captured by most of the existing models.     

Experimental Performance of RC Hollow Columns Confined with CFRP

Column jacketing with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials has been extensively investigated in the last decade to address the issue of seismic upgrade and retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) columns. Researchers have mainly focused their attention on solid columns, while very little research has been done on hollow columns strengthened with FRP. To study the behavior of noncircular hollow cross sections subjected to combined axial load and bending and to contribute to the comprehension of the resistant mechanisms present in FRP confinement, a total of seven specimens have been tested. The present work is the first step in a broader endeavor aimed at evaluating the benefits generated by a FRP wrapping, computing (P-M) interaction diagrams for hollow columns confined with FRP, and defining design criteria for the strengthening of these elements using composite jackets. The theoretical analyses will also assess under which conditions the standard approaches for columns with solid cross sections could be extended to the case of hollow columns.     

Strengthening of Eccentrically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Columns with Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Wrapping System: Experimental Investigation and Analytical Modeling

This paper presents the results of experimental program and analytical modeling for performance evaluation of a fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping system to upgrade eccentrically loaded reinforced concrete (RC) columns. A total of 12 RC columns with end corbels were tested. The test specimen had an overall length of 1,200?mm. Each end corbel had a cross section of 250×250?mm and a length of 350?mm. The specimen in the test region was 125×125?mm having a longitudinal steel ratio of 1.9%. Test parameters included confinement condition (no wrapping, full FRP wrapping, and partial FRP wrapping), and eccentricity-to-section height (e/h) ratio (0.3, 0.43, 0.57, and 0.86). Research findings indicated that the strength gain caused by FRP wrapping decreased as e/h was increased. Full FRP wrapping resulted in about 37% enhancement in compression strength at a nominal e/h of 0.3, whereas only 3% strength gain was recorded at a nominal e/h of 0.86. The compression strengths of the partially wrapped columns were on average 5% lower than those of the fully wrapped columns. A nonlinear, second-order analysis that accounts for the change in eccentricity caused by the lateral deformation was proposed to predict the columns strength. A comparison between analytical and experimental results of the present study in addition to data published in the literature demonstrated the accuracy and validity of the proposed analysis.     

Performance-Based Seismic Retrofit Strategy for Existing Reinforced Concrete Frame Systems Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

The feasibility and efficiency of a seismic retrofit intervention using externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer composites on existing reinforced concrete frame systems, designed prior to the introduction of modern standard seismic design code provisions in the mid-1970s, are herein presented, based on analytical and experimental investigations on beam-column joint subassemblies and frame systems. A multilevel retrofit strategy, following hierarchy of strength considerations, is adopted to achieve the desired performance. The expected sequence of events is visualized through capacity-demand curves within M-N performance domains. An analytical procedure able to predict the enhanced nonlinear behavior of the panel zone region, due to the application of CFRP laminates, in terms of shear strength (principal stresses) versus shear deformation, has been developed and is herein proposed as a fundamental step for the definition of a proper retrofit solution. The experimental results from quasi-static tests on beam-column subassemblies, either interior and exterior, and on three-storey three-bay frame systems in their as-built and CFRP retrofitted configurations, provided very satisfactory confirmation of the viability and reliability of the adopted retrofit solution as well as of the proposed analytical procedure to predict the actual sequence of events.     

Seismic Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Interior Beam-Wide Column Joints Repaired Using FRP

To prevent the casualties that can result from the collapse of earthquake-damaged structures, it is important that structures be rehabilitated as soon as possible. This paper proposes a rapid rehabilitation scheme for repairing moderately damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beam-wide column joints. Four nonseismically detailed interior beam-wide column joints were used as control specimens. All four subassemblages were subjected to similar cyclic lateral displacement to provide the equivalent of severe earthquake damage. The damaged control specimens were then repaired by filling their cracks with epoxy and externally bonding them with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets. These repaired specimens were then retested and their performance compared with that of the control specimens. This paper demonstrates that the repair of damaged RC beam-wide column joints by using FRP can restore the performance of damaged RC joints with relative ease, suggesting that the repair of beam-column joints is a cost-effective alternative to complete demolition and replacement     

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of a FRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Bridge

Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element (FE) models are developed to examine the structural behavior of the Horsetail Creek Bridge strengthened by fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). A sensitivity study is performed varying bridge geometry, precracking load, strength of concrete, and stiffness of the soil foundation to establish a FE model that best represents the actual bridge. Truck loadings are applied to the FE bridge model at different locations, as in an actual bridge test. Comparisons between FE model predictions and field data are made in terms of strains in the beams for various truck load locations. It is found that all the parameters examined can potentially influence the bridge response and are needed for selection of the optimal model which predicts the magnitudes and trends in the strains accurately. Then, using the optimal model, performance evaluation of the bridge based on scaled truck and mass-proportional loadings is conducted. Each loading type is gradually increased until failure occurs. Structural responses are compared for strengthened and unstrengthened bridge models to evaluate the FRP retrofit. The models predict a significant improvement in structural performance due to the FRP retrofit.