Strength and ductility of FRP web-bonded RC beams for the assessment of retrofitted beam–column joints

It is generally accepted that beam–column joints are critical elements of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings subjected to lateral loads, and that they may require specific design treatment following the accepted design philosophy of the strong-columnweak-beam. In earthquake-prone regions, the joints must be designed to allow the dissipation of large amounts of energy into the neighbouring elements without a significant loss of strength and ductility. The frames are often designed carefully based on the strong-column–weak-beam concept and their joints detailed accordingly. Sometimes, though, the detailing is inadequate (example, RC joints designed to earlier codes have insufficient lateral resistance). Web-bonded FRP (fibre reinforced plastic) is one of the few possible strengthening methods that can be used when an inadequately detailed joint is damaged causing severe degradation of the joint’s structural strength. In this paper, the results of some tests on FRP strengthened specimens are presented. The results show that the method is effective and capable of restoring or even upgrading the strength of the system. In addition, using the basic principles of equilibrium and compatibility, an analytical model is presented that simplifies the analysis and design of this strengthening scheme. Based on the model, a range of design graphs are presented for selection of the type and the amount of FRP required upgrading an existing joint to a specified moment capacity and curvature ductility.