Seismic Behavior of a Full-Scale RC Structure Retrofitted Using GFRP Laminates

Abstract

In the framework of the seismic performance assessment and rehabilitation research project, a series of bidirectional pseudodynamic tests were performed on a full-scale torsionally unbalanced three-story reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. The structure was designed only for gravity loads and was subjected to two rounds of tests both on the “as-built” and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) retrofitted configuration at the ELSA Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The aim of the GFRP repair was to enhance the global performance of the structure in terms of ductility and energy dissipation by providing columns with more deformation capacity and preventing the development of brittle failure modes. The driving principles for the design of the GFRP retrofit and the experimental results in terms of global and local performance are presented and compared in order to validate the proposed retrofit technique. The experimental results represent a reference database for the development of design criteria for the seismic retrofit of RC structures using composite materials.