Case studies on strengthening of concrete and masonry structures

This paper presents a number of case studies related to the strengthening of concrete and masonry structures damaged by the April 6, 2009, Mw 6.3 earthquake that struck the Italian city of L’Aquila and surrounding localities. After a brief overview of the existing challenges in buildings constructed prior to 1972 when the first building code addressing seismic construction was enacted in Italy, the paper describes interventions using technologies that can be considered innovative in that they are not addressed in the majority of the current building codes worldwide. The following strengthening methods are described: a) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in the forms of manual lay-up, procured laminates and spikes; b) steel-reinforced polymer (SRP) lay-up and spikes; and, c) fabricreinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). The paper concludes with a description of how the deployment of innovation for construction takes place in the United States. This example is intended to identify challenges to innovation and a possible method to overcome them.