A new methodology for repairing and strengthening RC members in seismic regions

Abstract

The work described in this paper is concerned with the application of the method of the compressive force path (CFP) to the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures designed for seismic action (the initial design of the member(s) covers both CFP design and design to current Eurocodes). Carbon fibre-reinforced polymer sheets are used for this purpose. Eight column specimens were tested under the combined action of a constant axial force and monotonic or cyclic lateral displacement. The eight columns were tested in groups of two, each group having one specimen strengthened initially and then tested to failure, while the second specimen was tested without strengthening, and was repaired and strengthened before testing it to failure. The tests showed that the strengthening procedure based on the CFP fully satisfied the performance requirements of current code provisions for strength and ductility irrespective of whether the initial design followed Eurocodes or the CFP methodology. Moreover, all strengthened (or repaired and strengthened) specimens had stiffnesses similar to those of their virgin counterparts.