Performance Evaluation of a Beam-Column Joint Strengthened Using Various Materials

Abstract

Recently, the utilization of FRP composites is one of the advanced procedures for repairing, strengthening
or retrofitting the existing structures in order to resist the higher loads and to rectify the issues of the damage. This
paper displays the results of experimental investigation of use of Uni- directional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
(CFRP) and Chopped Strand Mat (CSM) to strengthen the beam-column joints, which are the critical regions of the
structures. Twelve interior beam-column joints were casted for this study and were named as virgin specimen. These
specimens were tested up to failure point. Three specimens were externally wrapped with CFRP and three were
wrapped with CSM. Hybrid wrapping was adopted for the remaining six joints. Two types of hybrid wrapping
configuration is used i.e. CFRP on CSM and CSM on CFRP. These rehabilitated specimens were again tested up to
failure. This study is just limited to static loading. Effect of the different wrapping techniques has been concentrated
on. The performance of the rehabilitated specimens is compared with that of virgin specimens. Results demonstrate
that both the material used in the investigation study increases the load carrying capacity of the joints and decreases
the deflection.