Experimental and finite element investigation of strengthened LSC bridge piers under Quasi-Static Cyclic Load Test

Mostly bridges failures due to earthquake are the result of inadequate seismic design of piers. Another reason includes the use of Low Strength Concrete (LSC) in developing countries. One of the emerging and popular techniques of rehabilitating structure includes retrofitting with Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP's). In order to investigate the effectiveness of jacketing with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) towards improvement in strength, ductility and other dynamic properties, four scaled down (1:4) LSC circular bridge pier models were first strengthened with CFRP wraps and then subjected to Quasi-Static Cyclic Load Tests (QSCLT) and Free Vibration Tests (FVT). The bridge pier models were later analyzed using finite element software i.e. Seismostruct and the results were compared with the experimentally tested results in terms of energy dissipation capacity of retrofitted bridge piers. The external confinement by CFRP's enhanced their energy dissipation capabilities and hence strength and ductility of the reinforced concrete piers.