Advancements in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Retrofitting Techniques for Seismic Resilience of Reinforced Concrete Structures

In recent years, civil engineering has increasingly focused on utilizing fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) to retrofit and strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This paper explores advancements in FRP retrofitting techniques, with a particular focus on their application to beam–column joints in RC structures. The introduction outlines the evolution of FRP materials and their optimization for seismic retrofitting applications. A critical review of existing research highlights the effectiveness of FRP reinforcement in improving seismic resilience. The study examines three distinct cases from post-earthquake assessments in Albania, addressing the impact of poor concrete quality and inadequate detailing on structural performance. To capture the behavior of FRP-strengthened RC structures comprehensively, nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) was employed for localized analysis to observe the influence of FRP strengthening on critical joints, while finite element modeling (FEM) was used for global analysis to demonstrate the behavior at the structural level. The combined approach evaluates the effectiveness of FRP reinforcement in mitigating vulnerabilities, such as shear deficiencies and brittle failure modes, across varying scenarios of material quality and detailing. Key findings indicate that FRP retrofitting strategies result in a 25% increase in peak shear force and a 20% improvement in displacement capacity, showcasing enhanced ductility and seismic resilience. The finite element analysis demonstrated strong prediction accuracy, with error margins below 5% when compared to experimental results. These results emphasize the critical role of tailored FRP retrofitting strategies in enhancing seismic resilience, offering valuable insights for future retrofitting practices in seismic-prone regions.

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