Retrofitting Using FRP Laminates

Abstract

Retrofitting Using Frp Laminates paper describes the research progress to date in the field of strengthening and repair of steel structures using fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). While this subject has been extensively covered for concrete structures, retrofit of steel structures using FRP has not yet gained the same wide acceptance. This paper provides review of research work on retrofit of steel members including repair of naturally corroded beams, repair of artificially notched beams, strengthening of intact beams, and strengthening of steeVconcrete composite flexural members as well as the retrofit efforts of thin-walled tubular sections.

Conclusion

In this paper an understanding of the properties and performances of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) has been developed through the study of their different applications for structural retrofitting. Design guidelines and recommendations should be made more readily available to ensure more rapid and effective applications of FRP as a seismic material. This innovative technique shows a great potential when disruption of traffic or activity of the building is not possible or only for a limited time.