Seismic retrofit of square reinforced concrete piers by ferrocement jacketing

Abstract

An experimental investigation was conducted to strengthen shear deficient reinforced concrete columns using ferrocement jacketing. Three scale model specimens, identical to the actual bridge piers, were tested. One of the piers was tested under as-built condition while the other two were strengthened with layers of wire mesh before being tested. All the specimens were subjected to a simulated seismic loading and constant axial load. It was observed from the experimental results that the ferrocement-jacketed specimens exhibited enhanced stiffness, strength, energy dissipation and ductility and the mode of failure changed from brittle shear failure to a ductile flexural failure. The control specimens failed by shear at a relatively low lateral displacement. A finite element model was developed and the results obtained from the numerical analysis compared well with the experimental results. A design methodology for strengthening piers with square/rectangular columns with inadequate shear strength using ferrocement jackets is also presented.

Keywords:

• Confinement
• Reinforced concrete
• Shear strength
• Ferrocement
• Retrofitting

Notes

First published online 27 April 2005.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Rathish Kumar

First published online 27 April 2005.