Abstract
The effectiveness of externally applied fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) ropes made of carbon fibers in X-shape formation and in both sides of the joint area of reinforced concrete (RC) beam–column connections is experimentally investigated. Six full-scale exterior RC beam–column joint specimens are tested under reverse cyclic deformation. Three of them have been strengthened using carbon FRP (CFRP) ropes that have been placed diagonally in the joint as additional, near surface-mounted reinforcements against shear. Full hysteretic curves, maximum applied load capacity, damage modes, stiffness and energy dissipation values per each loading step are presented and compared. Test results indicated that joint sub assemblages with X-shaped CFRP ropes exhibited improved hysteretic behavior and ameliorated performance with respect to the reference specimens. The effectiveness and the easy-to-apply character of the presented strengthening technique is also discussed.
Highlights
In the structural engineering industry, the rehabilitation and seismic upgrade of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings have become a primary concern
Over the last twenty years, multiple research studies have been directed towards the rehabilitation/retrofitting of damaged beam–column joints, and various methods for their strengthening have been introduced
The current study aims to further investigate the effectiveness of3 of the fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) (CFRP) rope application as a strengthening method in deficient RC beam–co joints subjected to seismic loads
Summary
In the structural engineering industry, the rehabilitation and seismic upgrade of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings have become a primary concern. Several existing RC frame structures were designed before the modern seismic regulations were developed, or they were merely made to comply to earlier versions of the seismic guidelines [1] As a result, they have various issues, such as as short longitudinal beam bottom bar embedment lengths, low shear capacity in the beam–column joint, and inadequate or no steel transverse reinforcement in the joint area [2,3]. While RC jacketing has proven its efficiency to enhance the shear strength of the joints, it has some serious drawbacks, as the increase in the cross-sectional dimension results in adding weight and enhancing the stiffness of the structural elements [8] Another main disadvantage of this method is that it implies complex and labor-intensive application procedures [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
