Seismic Strengthening of Severely Damaged Beam-Column RC Joints Using CFRP

This article investigates the seismic behavior of three full-scale exterior reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints rehabilitated and strengthened with externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymers (CFRP). The specimens had inadequate detailing in the core zone and replicated joints of a real substandard building tested as part of the EU-funded project BANDIT. Seven tests were performed in two successive phases. The bare joints were first subjected to reversed cyclic loading tests to assess their basic seismic performance. As these initial tests produced severe damage in the core, the damaged concrete was replaced with new high-strength concrete. The specimens were subsequently strengthened with CFRP sheets and the cyclic tests were repeated. The results indicate that the core replacement with new concrete enhanced the shear strength of the substandard joints by up to 44% over the bare counterparts. ASCE guidelines predict accurately the shear strength of the bare and rehabilitated joints. The CFRP strengthening enhanced further the joint strength by up to 69%, achieving a shear strength comparable to that of joints designed according to modern seismic provisions. Therefore, the rehabilitation/strengthening method is very effective for postearthquake strengthening of typical substandard structures of developing countries.