Performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened RC frame

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials is becoming an alluring alternative for retrofitting, strengthening and constructing structural elements of a system. In terms of parameters such as confinement strength, post-retrofit ductility, cross-sectional area, weight, corrosion resistance, ease in application and overall project cost this method with time is proving to be superior to conventional method of retrofitting techniques such as steel jacketing (reinforcement jacketing) and angle jacketing methods. Whenever repair and strengthening are concerned variables such seismic resistance, increase in ductility, axial strength, impact and blast resistance, increase in flexural strength, shear strength and fatigue life are required. In case of damaged structural elements due to excessive loading or erosion in exposed environments, repair is necessary. When the structural usage changes or some neighboring load bearing structural components are removed, strengthening may be required. Though variety of FRP’s such as glass fiber, carbon fiber and aramid fiber are available for strengthening, this study mainly focuses on the application of carbon fiber polymer (CFRP) in strengthening of structural elements. The aim of this study was to regain the structural characteristics of the frame prior to the excess loading action by wrapping both column and beam fractures with CFRP and to investigate if CFRP can be utilized for retrofitting and strengthening cracked sections. The report presents the driving principles in the design as well as the study’s findings. Sound and repaired RC frame comparisons are evaluated in terms of global and local performance. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.