An Economic Approach to the Confinement of Different Concrete Classes with Carbon and Glass Fibers Reinforced Polymers

Abstract

One of the current approaches for concrete retrofitting is called fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping. In this study, concrete retrofitting means compressive strength and seismic parameters improvement (such as failure strain, energy absorption, and ductility). Cost analysis may raise issues of concern regarding the economic value of this kind of retrofitting and for this reason, economic analysis was conducted based on experimental works. In this regard, 21 samples were prepared for three compressive strengths of concrete (20, 35, and 50MPa) and warped with different layers of carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymers (0, 1, 3, and 5 layers). Samples were subjected to stress-strain tests and concrete properties were estimated. The results showed that carbon and glass fibers, respectively, are more effective in improving the compressive strength and seismic parameters of concrete. But, the economic analysis indicated that glass fiber is more cost-benefit than carbon fiber in improving the concrete properties, especially for one layer of FRP. The economic analysis was not able to specify the application of FRP for which concrete samples are more economical, and for this reason, statistical analysis was used to respond to this vague and achieve a comprehensive assessment. The analysis indicated that the use of FRP is more cost-benefit for lower concrete strength.