Ductility of FRP-Repaired Exterior RC Beam-Column Joints

Abstract

In this study, two 1/2.2 scaled-down RC exterior joints of a typical Ordinary Moment Resisting Frame (OMRF) were preloaded until moderately cracked and then repaired using a CFRP web-bonded system. The repaired specimens were reloaded under a monotonic load regime. One plain control specimen was also tested in order to compare the results with the repaired specimens under a similar loading condition. The general behaviour of subassemblies was investigated through their beam tip load versus displacement curves. Their available ductilities before and after repair were compared. The results showed that the available ductility of repaired joints, in which ductility is controlled by flexural plastic hinging of members, is limited by the special manner of failure and carbon fibre sheets can relocate the plastic hinges to more favourable locations as well as guaranteeing a ductile behaviour.