Limit analysis on FRP-strengthened RC members

Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) members strengthened with externally bonded fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) plates are numerically investigated by a plasticity-based limit analysis approach. The key-concept of the present approach is to adopt proper constitutive models for concrete, steel reinforcement bars (re-bars) and FRP strengthening plates according to a multi-yield-criteria formulation. This allows the prediction of concrete crushing, steel bars yielding and FRP rupture that may occur at the ultimate limit state. To simulate such limitstate of the analysed elements, two iterative methods performing linear elastic analyses with adaptive elastic parameters and finite elements (FEs) description are employed. The peak loads and collapse mechanisms predicted for FRP-plated RC beams are validated by comparison with the corresponding experimental findings.

Earthquake Protection of Existing Structures with Limited Seismic Joint: Base Isolation with Supplemental Damping versus Rotational Inertia

“…(1) e retro tting operations are limited just to the ground oor level or to the basement level, thus not interfering with the architectural aspects of the building along its height, and the remaining parts of the structure do not have to be modi ed and/or altered (unlike other systems applied to the structural elements directly (see, e.g., [76,77])). (2) It is well known that the seismic base isolation permits a strong reduction of forces to the superstructure so that the building can be designed to remain in the elastic range.…”