SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF CONCRETE MEMBERS WITH FRP COMPOSITES

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• SEISMIC RETROFITTING OF CONCRETE MEMBERS WITH FRP
  COMPOSITES

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What is seismic retrofitting?
Seismic retrofitting is a process to modify or
upgrade existing structures to make them
resistant to earthquakes. Structural engineers
now give special attention to the ability of a
structure to withstand ground motion, seismic
activity, and soil failure.
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A number of concrete structures benefit from
seismic retrofit. Following the modern
construction technology, it has become a
necessity to build concrete infrastructure that
can withstand natural calamities.
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REASONS TO SEISMIC RETROFIT
To ensure the safety of buildings employees,
and the durability of a building
Infrastructure resistant to natural disasters
save governments billions of dollars
Marketability of buildings improved as seismic
retrofit ensure security
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FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are
advanced and relatively modern construction
materials that offer unique characteristics such
as superior corrosion-resistance, high strength,
lightweight, electromagnetic neutrality, and long
service life.
Their strength, toughness, and ease of
installation indicate that they can alter the
load deformation response considerably for the
better. GFRP construction materials are the best
example of how FRP can improve the overall
condition of exiting concrete members.
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FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION
FRP materials include two main components ?ber
reinforcement and a polymer resin matrix. Other
components are ?llers used to enhance water
resistance, weathering, dimensional stability.
Additives are used to modify material properties.
The performance and integrity of the fiber, the
polymer resin matrix, and the concrete when
encased by the ?ber need to be evaluated for the
range of long-term environmental conditions
likely to be encountered in practice.
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FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION
FRPs are used for seismic strengthening of
reinforced concrete structures when conventional
strengthening techniques and materials fail to be
a practical solution. Composite materials
completely outclass conventional me trials when
its comes to rehabilitation and building
corrosion-free and durable concrete members.
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WHY FRP COMPOSITES?
High tensile strength
¼ the weight of steel
Ease of installation
Corrosion free
Zero maintenance
Variety of rehabilitation applications
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FABRICATION
For seismic retrofitting, it is essential that
the FRP material is tight against the structure.
A common FRP strengthening methods used for shear
enhancement or inadequate length lap splice
enhancement are passive methods. The concrete
must start to crack up and dilate before the
composite can take over. Success in the previous
projects and emergence of new design codes
encourage structural engineers to use FRP
composites as a perfect alternative to
traditional materials such as steel.
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ECONOMICS
FRP composites, taking into account the long-term
benefits and advantages, are cost-effective
rehabilitation solutions. In seismic retrofit,
FRP jackets are cost-effective alternative to
steel-plate and concrete jackets. Concrete
members reinforced with FRP are almost
maintenance free.
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ABOUT TUF-BAR
TUF-BAR has developed into a leading manufacturer
of GFRP bars and accessories in North America.
The company produces the highest-quality GFRP
construction and rehabilitation materials for a
wide number of applications including bridges,
dams, highways, water facilities, buildings, etc.

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CONTACT INFO
1.888.99.REBAR
info_at_tuf-bar.com
www.tuf-bar.com