Experimental investigation of RC frames using CFRP sheets

Abstract

Reinforced Concrete frames are the main load resisting systems used in practice all over the world. These frames will be subjected to sway, due to lateral loading most of the times by either earthquake or wind. Ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the frame are the key parameters for better performance under the action of the sway loading. Retrofitting using the new generation material such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic sheets (CFRP) shows much enhancement in these properties of laterally loaded frames. Frames subjected to lateral loading introduce collapse mechanism due to the formation of the plastic hinges at critical hinge locations. An experimental investigation of partially and fully CFRP wrapped reinforced concrete (RC) frames when compared to conventional(bare) frame has been carried out, to bring out the importance of critical engineered locations to be wrapped. © 2013 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.