Title: Resilience and sustainability of FRP-retrofitted concrete structures

Authors: S. Mukhtar Homam; Shamim A. Sheikh

Addresses: 5045 Ninth Line, Halton Hills, Ontario, L7G-4S8, Canada ' 35 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S-1A4, Canada

Abstract: Damaged, deteriorated and deficient structures can prove to be among the biggest obstructions in an otherwise resilient community. An innovative rehabilitation technique using fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) was developed to build resilience in such structures. Lab investigations found that deteriorated concrete columns sustained about 20% loss in strength and larger reduction in ductility and energy dissipating capacity as a result of corrosion induced deterioration. Experimental results showed that utilising FRP and special grouts not only recovered but enhanced the mechanical performance of these structures. Long-term testing in the lab and observations in the field found excellent durability in FRP and FRP-retrofitted structures. This innovative repair technique resulted in remarkable reduction in risk of deterioration and performance degradation. It was concluded that resilience can be built into deficient or damaged structures through incorporation of innovative retrofitting techniques and utilisation of durable materials that are economical and superior to traditional methods.

Keywords: glass fibre reinforced polymer; bridge column; freeze-thaw cycles; durability; temperature cycles; alkali solutions; ultraviolet radiation; long-term performance; coupons; single-lap-bond.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMSS.2021.115785

International Journal of Sustainable Materials and Structural Systems, 2021 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.35 - 49

Received: 15 May 2020
Accepted: 23 May 2020
Published online: 22 Jun 2021 *