Retrofitting of RC Structures Using FRP Techniques—Case Studies

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) based strengthening and retrofitting methods have gained importance even in developing countries such as India, with the advent of professionally managed and technically sound contracting companies. Numerous advantages of FRP, such as fast and clean application, exceptional tensile strength, free of corrosion, negligible deadload addition, etc. are being capitalized while staying within the limits of safety by understanding the limitations of the same. The author has completed over 2,500 retrofitting projects on reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structures in professional capacity in India and abroad, from industrial and commercial structures to bridges, dams and heritage buildings. Most of these projects required major utilization of FRP, in the form of FRP rods, laminates, wraps, anchors, NSM applications, crack-stitch and fiber reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) hot-wrap. In this chapter we shall discuss some of these projects as case studies and get an introduction into some of its design concepts and practical aspects.