Rehabilitation of Axially Loaded R.C Columns Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFPR)

Abstract

Natural calamities such as earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes and accidental impacts can severely damage or cause collapse of inadequately designed structures. In addition, material and geometric imperfections can aggravate structural stability related issues. Structures built on older design codes and standards are vulnerable during extreme events and need to be retrofitted to meet the current codes and standards. Traditional retrofit techniques like concrete and steel jacketing are time consuming, labor intensive and increase the cross-sectional area of the structural column member, thus adding more inertia, and attracts more force during seismic events. But more recent and effective method of repair is the use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) because of their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, durability, light weight, ease of application, reduced construction time, efficiency, and low life cycle cost. This research will explore use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) to rehabilitate existing reinforced concrete columns damaged during regular axial loading. This research evaluates the use of CFRP strips to enhance flexural capacity, also combination of both strips and wrapping to enhance both flexural and shear capacity of columns. Furthermore, to enhance dynamic properties of structural columns, this research presents variety of CFRP wrapping schemes and strips, while recommending most cost effective and efficient method.