Strengthening of Column using Glass Fibre

Seismic retrofitting of constructions vulnerable to earthquakes is a current problem of great political and social relevance. Most of the Indian building stock is vulnerable to seismic action even if located in areas that have long been considered of high seismic hazard. During the past thirty years moderate to severe earthquakes have occurred in India. Such events have clearly shown the vulnerability of the building stock in particular and of the built environment in general. Hence it is very much essential to retrofit the vulnerable building to cope up for the next damaging earthquake. The present study focuses on the behavior of reinforced concrete beam-columns strengthened using Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) subjected to reverse cyclic loading. Reinforced concrete columns designed as per IS 456-2000 possess less ductility to dissipate seismic energy during earthquake. Such beam-columns are seismically deficient and require additional confinement to improve their seismic parameters. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly used for this purpose. Hence, experiments were conducted on Reinforced concrete beam-columns with and without FRP wrapping. The specimens were tested under a constant axial load and reversed cyclic lateral loading. Experimental results indicate a significant increase of ductility and increase in energy absorption capacity of RC beam-column when strengthened by GFRP Jacket.