Abstract
This paper summarizes the results obtained from a comprehensive study
on the use of externally-bonded fibre- reinforced polymer (FRP) tow
sheets for the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete (RC) shear
walls. The study includes both laboratory testing and analytical
investigation using computer simulation models. The experimental
investigation consists of cyclic lateral load tests of reinforced
concrete shear walls of different aspect ratios ranging from slender
flexural walls to intermediate and squat walls dominated by brittle
shear behaviour in both repair and strengthening applications. The
effectiveness of the FRP retrofit scheme in recovering or enhancing
the earthquake resistant capability of deficient reinforced concrete
structures as well as structures that meet current design standard
requirements are investigated. The common reinforcement and detailing
deficiencies considered include insufficient shear and confinement
reinforcement, and lap-splice at inelastic plastic regions of walls
that are typically found in old existing reinforced concrete structures
designed decades ago using now obsolete design standards. A new
tube anchor system and its improvement to the performance of the
FRP retrofit system with the earthquake resistance of reinforced
concrete shear walls are discussed. Parallel to the experimental
investigation, analytical research has also been carried out to develop
computer models for predicting the behaviour and performance of reinforced
concrete shear walls strengthened or repaired with the FRP system.
These include simplified models suitable for design purposes as
well as detailed computer models and simulation methodology with
the aims to investigate the detailed interaction and debonding failure
mechanisms of the FRP sheets and the hysteretic behaviour and the
ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the combined systems.
The correlation results with the experimental observations show
that the developed computer simulation techniques can accurately
predict the ultimate strength and ductility, as well as the hysteretic
and energy dissipation characteristics of reinforced concrete shear
walls with FRP. Design procedures and guidelines for the new tube
anchor system are also presented.
Users
Please
log in to take part in the discussion (add own reviews or comments).