Seismic Behavior of RC Shear Walls Strengthened for In-Plane Bending Using Externally Bonded FRP Sheets

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results of a study investigating the effectiveness of using externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) tow sheets for in-plane bending strengthening and repair of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls. The repair/strengthening scheme is designed to enhance the flexural load-carrying capacity of the walls and prevent brittle shear-related failures. The experimental program consisted of the performance evaluation of the FRP system in seven RC shear wall specimens tested to failure under lateral loads. The effectiveness of two different anchoring systems to transfer the loads carried by the FRP sheets to the supporting elements of the wall was also investigated. The experimental results showed that the FRP system was successful in restoring (in repair applications) and increasing (in strengthening applications) the initial stiffness and ultimate load-carrying capacity of the walls, while maintaining a ductile response behavior and avoiding brittle shear failures. A simple strength model to predict the peak strength of walls with externally bonded FRP sheets suitable for design applications is presented and its limitations discussed.