Seismic Upgrading of RC Buildings by FRP: Full-Scale Tests of a Real Structure
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 18, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents and discusses the results of an experimental investigation on the use of composite materials for controlling the type of plastic collapse mechanism of existing reinforced concrete structures. The research has been carried out on a full-scale structure obtained starting from an existing building, which was designed and constructed at the end of 1970s. Competent authority has destined demolition of this building, which is now the subject/object of a wider experimental investigation, also briefly described in the paper. The structure has been first tested “as-is,” thus providing the control response of the original behavior. Then, it has been repaired and strengthened by means of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP), externally bonded in such a way to change the plastic collapse mechanism from a column-sway to a beam-sway type. Finally, the structure has been tested again in order to assess the effectiveness of the designed seismic upgrading system.
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Acknowledgments
The financial support of the following subjects is gratefully acknowledged: (1) Bagnolifutura S.p.A. for providing the building to be tested, assistance with their equipment and for financing the construction of the reacting frame. In particular, thanks are addressed to Eng. Giovanni Capasso, who promoted the experimental research and helped in bypassing several bureaucratic aspects; (2) MAC-Degussa S.p.A. for furnishing, partially free of charge, composite materials and advanced reconstruction concretes. In particular, thanks are addressed to Arch. Raffaele Hassler, who kept contacts between authors and MAC-Degussa, favoring the development of this research; (3) Techno Building Services S.r.l. for both repairing the structure after the first pushover test and applying the strengthening FRP system; (4) Dr. Roberto del Gado and Tecno In S.p.A. for precious technical assistance in tests execution; and (5) National Research Council & Ministry for Research and University for partial support within the budget of the national research project titled: “Analysis and protection of architectural constructions against the effects of earthquake and other natural calamities.” The financial support does not imply that individual funders necessarily endorse all views expressed in this paper.
References
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Mazzolani, F. M., Della Corte, G., and Faggiano, B. (2004). “Seismic upgrading of RC buildings by means of advanced techniques: The ILVA-IDEM project.” Proc., 13th World Conf. on Earthquake Engineering (CD-ROM), Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Paper No. 2703.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 18 • Issue 5 • October 2006
Pages: 659 - 669
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 1, 2004
Accepted: Feb 23, 2005
Published online: Oct 1, 2006
Published in print: Oct 2006
Notes
Note. Associate Editor: Laura De Lorenzis
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