Experimental and Numerical Model of Interior Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints Strengthened with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

The present study involves full-scale experimental test and numerical model of interior reinforced concrete beam-column joints strengthened by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The present study proposes a novel strengthening technique for interior beam-column joints. The experimental test intends to achieve a fundamental understanding of the behavior of interior joint strengthened by CFRP wrap in columns region with L-shape overlays on the top and bottom of beams. The purpose of implementing this system is to transfer the failure of the columns regions to the beams regions. This technic is a feasible economic solution. Hence, two beam column joints were made and tested. One interior joint was tested in an unstrengthened condition to act as the control joint. A numerical simulation based on plastic damage model by ABAQUS software was carried out to validate the experimental results. The CFRP wrap mechanism prevented the development of cracks in the joint. The length of cracks decreased because CFRP sheets were applied. The average decrease was approximately 37% of the crack length of the control beam-column joint. It is observed that the compression strut zone was increased by the application of CFRP wrap in the column zone.