AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR OF RECTANGULAR RC COLUMNS DAMAGED BY REBARS CORROSION AND STRENGTHENING THEM WITH FRP

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the structural behavior (strength and ductility) of rectangular RC columns which have been damaged by rebar corrosion. 22 small-scale reinforced concrete columns with dimensions of 160×160 mm in section and 340 mm in height were tested. Ten specimens were conditioned to three levels of accelerated corrosion and six were conditioned to natural corrosion. The specimens were subjected to concentric compression load in order to assess the change of their mechanical properties due to the corrosion effects. Twelve specimens were strengthened with carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP and GFRP) to see the efficiency of different strengthening schemes. Based on this research it was concluded that the damaged columns show less strength and ductility in comparison with two undamaged columns and, FRP wraps could greatly enhance the strength and ductility of damaged specimens.

Keywords:

corrosion , fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) , strength , ductility , strengthening