Performance of Different Glass Fibre-reinforced Polymer Strengthening Schemes on Masonry Infilled RC Frames under Seismic Loading

ABSTRACT

In this study is investigated the performance of different glass fibre-reinforced polymer strengthening schemes on infilled reinforced concrete (RC) frames. The main objective was to limit the damage to beam–column joints and inter-storey drift ratios and to protect RC frames against the negative effects caused by infill-RC frame interaction. Five specimens were tested: one without infill and four infilled with full-scale hollow clay block masonry unit, three of which were strengthened with different schemes. Results showed that the beam–column joints could remain undamaged, lateral strength and stiffness were enhanced, inter-storey drift was limited, and new load carrying systems are generated.

KEYWORDS:

• Knee and diagonal bracing scheme
• strengthened infilled frames
• glass fibre
• beam–column joint failure
• seismic demand

Acknowledgments

This study was conducted as part of the PhD thesis work of the first author. The tests were conducted at the Laboratory of Structural Materials Testing at the University of “Hasan Prishtina” in Prishtine, Kosovo.