Effect of using CFRP wraps on the strength and ductility behaviors of exterior reinforced concrete joint

One way to improve the ductility of such joints is the use of FRP sheet wraps. This research focuses on studying the effect of using FRP wraps around beam on ductility of exterior R.C beam-column joints. To achieve this main objective; this research focuses on the key parameters controlling ductility of joints, namely, relative inertia of column to beam (G), amount of transverse steel in joint (Av/s)J and amount of transverse steel in beam (Av/s)B. Finite Element (F.E.) analysis using commercial F.E. software (ABAQUS) is used to investigate the ductility behavior of R.C joints strengthened by FRP. The mentioned parameters are investigated numerically. Results show that the using CFRP wraps around beam converts the brittle failure to ductile failure. Stirrups continuity inside the joint increases the capacity and ductility for models dominated by shear failure.