Collapse simulation of CFRP retrofitted column using hybrid testing technique

Abstract

The performance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures and their collapse safety experiencing moderate to high-magnitude seismic excitations might not be fully understood. Factors related to the high levels of uncertainties in ground motion content, structural modelling and design uncertainties, or to the empirical nature of design codes and standards affect the collapse assessment of RC structures. Therefore, experimental test researches are very important in verifying and improving the accuracy of structural performance predictions and highlighting the actual behavior during seismic excitation. In this paper, the test results of a full-length damaged RC column retrofitted with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and then retested using pseudo-dynamic experimental testing approach through the state-of-the-art hybrid simulation testing facility, referred to Multi-Axis Substructure Testing (MAST) system at Swinburne University of Technology are presented. A comparative collapse assessment of the initial and retrofitted column showed more ductile column response reaching higher drift ratios. In addition, the experimental test results displayed clearly the effectiveness of CFRP sheets under increasing intensity of earthquake demands in restoring the collapse resistance of the retrofitted RC column by altering concrete failure type.