Performance of RC frames with hybrid reinforcement under reversed cyclic loading

The use of FRP as reinforcement in concrete structures has been growing rapidly. A potential application of FRP reinforcement is in reinforced concrete (RC) frames. However, due to FRP's predominantly elastic behaviour, FRP-RC members exhibit low ductility and energy dissipation. Hybrid steel-FRP reinforcement can be a viable solution to the lack of ductility of FRP-RC members. Using two layers of reinforcement in a section, FRP rebars can be placed in the outer layer and steel rebars in the inner layer away from the effects of carbonation and chloride intrusion. Combined with the use of FRP stirrups, this approach can enhance the corrosion resistance of RC members. However, current design standards and detailing criteria for FRP-RC structures do not provide detailed seismic provisions. In particular, the design and detailing of beam-column joints is a key issue in seismic design. During recent earthquakes, many structural collapses were initiated or caused by beam-column joint failures. Thus, research is needed to gain a better understanding of the behaviour of FRP and hybrid FRP-steel-RC under seismic loading. In this study, three full-scale beam-column joint specimens reinforced with steel, GFRP and a hybrid GFRP-steel configuration, respectively were tested in order to investigate their performance in the event of an earthquake. 1359-5997 (C) 2004 RILEM. All rights reserved.