Strengthening of RC Column Using GFRP

Abstract

Abstract: In construction industry, engineers try to find new, better, economical material. Today there are several new techniques observed in the industry. In recent years, the construction industry has seen an increasing demand to reinstate, rejuvenate, strengthen and upgrade existing concrete structures. This may be attributed to various causes such as environment degradation, design inadequacies, poor construction practices, lack of regular maintenance, revision of codes of practice, increase in loads and seismic conditions etc. One of the technique used is the wrapping of damaged and newly constructed columns with GFRP. As GFRP has the properties like high strength, light weight, resistance towards chemicals and salt water, it can be moulded into complex shapes, requires low maintenance etc. The behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer on different shapes of column has been extensively studied, but much less is known about concrete in FRP confined damaged columns. In this project a total of 21 columns are casted, out of which 3 columns are conventional columns, 9 columns are damaged & 9 are newly constructed columns. The columns are wrapped with single, double and triple layer of GFRP. An average increase of 33.21% is observed in damaged single layer wrapped GFRP column and 51.64% in damaged double layer wrapped GFRP column and 62% in damaged triple layer wrapped GFRP column. Similarly, 46.93% of increase in newly constructed single layer wrapped GFRP column and 72.56% of increase in newly constructed double layer wrapped GFRP column and 90.23% of increase in newly constructed triple layer wrapped GFRP column. Keywords: GFRP, damaged column, newly constructed column.