Strengthening Of Concrete Block Wall Intersections Using GFRP Laminates

Abstract

<p>An experimental investigation was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of repairing and retrofitting the intersections of flanged concrete block shear walls using surface-bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates for seismic load applications. A total of 18 specially designed flange-web intersecting wall assemblages were tested using 5 different schemes. Tests included wall intersections reinforced with unidirectional FRP with the fibers oriented perpendicular to loading direction (90°), parallel to loading direction (0°) and bi-directional (90°/0°), (90°/0°)2 and (45°/135°) to applied load direction. The behaviour of each wall specimen is discussed with respect to its failure mode, strength and deformation characteristics. Results showed that the laminates significantly increased the shear strength of concrete block shear walls junction. In addition, the fiber orientation influenced the failure mode, strength and stiffness. Moreover, depending on the fiber orientation, a significant enhancement to the post-peak load energy absorption capacity of the web-flange intersection can occur. The improved post-peak behaviour addressed the benefits of retrofitting concrete block wall intersections for seismic load applications. The FRP-retrofitted specimens were capable of reaching between 90% to 390% increase in strength compared to the umetrofitted specimen constructed with traditional steel joint reinforcement.</p>