Performance of concrete structures retrofitted with fibre reinforced polymers

Retrofitting with fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) to strengthen and repair damaged structures is a relatively new technique. In an extensive research program underway at the University of Toronto, application of FRP in concrete structures is being investigated for its effectiveness in enhancing structural performance both in terms of strength and ductility. The structural components tested so far include slabs, beams, columns and bridge culverts. Research on columns has particularly focussed on improving their seismic resistance by confining them with FRP. All the specimens tested can be considered as full-scale to two-third scale models of the structural components generally used in practice. Results so far indicate that retrofitting with FRP offers an attractive alternative to the traditional techniques. In many circumstances, it can provide the most economical (and superior) solution for a structural rehabilitation problem. Selected results from experimental and analytical research are presented in this paper.