Cyclic Shear Performance of Reinforced Concrete Columns Strengthened by External Steel Rods

This study presents a strengthening method for reinforced concrete (RC) columns. The proposed method, which consists of a pair of steel rods, two reverse-threaded couplers, and four corner blocks, is feasible and straightforward. A quasi-static cyclic loading test was performed on the columns externally strengthened by the steel rods. It was found that the corner blocks and the external steel rods with a low prestress level effectively confined the concrete on the compression side of plastic hinges, which eventually induced flexural failure with a ductility higher than three in the strengthened columns. In addition, an analytical approach to predict the shear strength and ultimate flexural strength of the externally strengthened columns was applied. The comparison of analytical and experimental results showed that the analytical approach provided highly accurate predictions on the maximum strength and the failure mode of the externally strengthened columns. It is expected that the application of the proposed method will improve the seismic performance of damaged or deteriorated RC structures, thereby increasing their lifespan expectancy and sustainability.

Research on strengthening stone arch bridge with CFRP rebars

PurposeThis paper aims to describe carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) bars as a way to strengthen a 40-year-old stone arch bridge. To investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, fielding-load tests were carried out before and after strengthening.Design/methodology/approachHigh-strength CFRP bars with minor radius, high tensile strain and good corrosion resistance were used in this reinforcement. The construction process for strengthening with CFRP bars – including CFRP bars cutting, crack grouting, original structural surface treatment, implant drilling, CFRP bars installation and pouring mortar – was described. Ultimate bearing capacity of the bridge after strengthening was discussed.FindingsThe results of concrete stress and deflection show that the strength and stiffness of the strengthened bridge are improved. The strengthened way with CFRP bars is feasible and effective.Originality/valueThis paper describes CFRP bars as a way to strengthen a 40-year-old stone arch bridge.

Experimental Study on the Axial Compression Performance of an Underwater Concrete Pier Strengthened by Self-Stressed Anti-Washout Concrete and Segments

Compared with the conventional drainage strengthening techniques, the precast concrete segment assembly strengthening method (PCSAM) is regarded as a fast, more economical, and traffic-friendly underwater strengthening method for damaged bridge piers and piles, as the drainage procedure can be omitted. However, this method still has some disadvantages, such as strength loss of the filling material, debonding of the interface due to shrinkage of the filling material, poor connection effects, and poor durability of the segment sleeves. To solve these problems, the PCSAM is improved in this study by using self-stressed anti-washout concrete (SSAWC) as the filling material and by developing a lining concrete segment sleeve (LCSS) by referring to the design theory for shield lining segments. Six specimens are designed and prepared with consideration of the influential factors, such as the self-stress, thickness of the filled concrete, and concrete strength of the LCSS, then the monotonic axial compression test is carried out to investigate the improvements in the axial compression properties of the specimens. Accordingly, extended parametric analyses are performed based on the established numerical models. Finally, the calculation formula for the bearing capacity is proposed based on the analysis results. The results indicate that the SSAWC can provide initial confining compressive stress in the core region of the piers, in addition to increasing the bearing capacity and ductility of the specimens. The improved LCSS segment connection is more reliable and increases the strengthening efficiency. The influence of self-stress on the bearing capacity of the specimens is cubic and the influence of the filled concrete strength on the bearing capacity of the specimens is nonlinear. The calculation formula for predicting the bearing capacity of axially compressed columns possesses good applicability and can be used as a reference for practical engineering.

Enhanced Mechanical Properties in 6082 Aluminum Alloy Processed by Cyclic Deformation

Aging heat treatment is the most commonly used strengthening method for Al–Mg–Si alloys since high-density precipitates will be formed to hinder the movement of dislocations. In the current work, room temperature cyclic deformation was attempted to strengthen the alloy. We compared tensile test results of aged samples and cyclically deformed samples. It was found that cyclically deformed samples can achieve similar strength and approximately twice the uniform elongation as the peak aged samples. The high density of dislocations and nanoclusters observed in the cyclically deformed samples is thought to be the main reason for strengthening. Different cyclic deformation conditions have been tried and their effects were discussed.

Load testing and health monitoring of monolithic bridges with innovative reinforcement

PurposeThe paper aims to investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening, and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out. The results of concrete strain and deflection show that the flexural strength and stiffness of the strengthened beam are improved.Design/methodology/approachThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. High strength, low relaxation steel strand with high tensile strain and good corrosion resistance were used in this reinforcement. The construction process for strengthening with prestressed steel strand and steel plate was described. Ultimate bearing capacity of the bridge after strengthening was discussed based on finite element model.FindingsThe cumulative upward deflection of the second span the third span was 39.7 mm, which is basically consistent with the theoretical value, and the measured value is smaller than the theoretical value. The deflection value of the second span during data acquisition was −20 mm–10 mm, which does not exceed the maximum deflection value of live load, and the deflection of the bridge is in a safe state during normal use. Thus, this strengthened way with prestressed steel wire rope is feasible and effective.Originality/valueThis paper describes prestressed steel strand as a way to strengthen a 25-year-old continuous rigid frame bridge. To investigate effectiveness of the strengthening method, the construction process monitoring, fielding-load tests before and after strengthening and health monitoring after reinforcement were carried out.

Seismic Performance and Strengthening of Purlin Roof Structures Using a Novel Damping-Limit Device

Purlin roof structure houses, which have the advantages of readily accessible materials and simple construction, are widely used in rural areas of China. However, during earthquakes, the wooden purlins tend to fall off and the walls crack. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the structural parameters of and strengthen the anti-seismic capacity of these structures. To compensate for the seismic deficiencies of the purlin roof structure, a novel damping-limit device installed at the connection position of the gable and the wooden purlin was proposed. In this study, the seismic performance and reinforcement effect of the brick-wood structure with the purlin roof were analyzed through numerical simulation. The research results indicate that the novel damping-limit device proposed in this study can significantly reduce the local stress concentration and the seismic response of the structure, and thereby rectifying the seismic defect of falling purlin. Moreover, compared with the traditional strengthening method, the novel device is more convenient to install and the reinforcement quality is easier to ensure.

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer strengthened reinforced concrete square columns under pre-existing eccentric loads

Numerous experimental studies have been conducted on the behavior of strengthened columns, mostly with glued layers of FRP before load application, and rarely under the pre-existing load. Results confirm a good efficiency of strengthening in the compression-controlled region of the columns, as mentioned in design codes and guides such as ACI 440.2R-17. However, their behavior in the tension-controlled region is still a challenging subject. Moreover, when the eccentricity is large enough, the efficiency of the strengthening method needs more attention. This study aimed at strengthening six RC columns in the tension-controlled region under the pre-existing load condition. Furthermore, tested specimens were verified using a nonlinear finite element analysis performed in ATENA software. Moreover, some identical strengthened specimens, which were not subjected to pre-existing load during strengthening, were modeled to capture the effect of pre-existing loads. The results of the analyses were in good agreement with experimental data. Comparison of numerical results obtained for columns strengthened without pre-existing load, and under pre-existing load showed that pre-existing loading significantly reduced the efficiency of FRP jacketing. Also, assuming a linear variation of confinement pressure in the tension-controlled region of the interaction diagram results in good agreement with attained results.

Experimental Study on the Compressive Behaviors of Brick Masonry Strengthened with Modified Oyster Shell Ash Mortar

Masonry bricks were widely used in construction of the walls in most of Chinese historical buildings. The low strength of lime–clay mortar used in existing historical brick masonry walls has usually led to poor performance such as cracking and collapse during earthquakes. As the composition of modified oyster shell ash mortar (MOSA mortar) with higher strength is similar to that of lime–clay mortar, it can be used to partially replace original lime–clay mortar for historical brick masonry buildings in order to improve their seismic performance. Previous research has proven that this strengthening method for brick masonry is effective in improving shear strength. In this paper, we present further experimental research regarding the compressive behaviors of brick masonry strengthened by replacing mortar with a MOSA mortar. The test results showed that the compressive strength of brick masonry specimens strengthened by the proposed method meets the design requirements. The formula for calculating compressive strength for brick masonry strengthened by replacing mortar was obtained by fitting the test results. The calculated values were consistent with the tested ones. In addition, the stress–strain relationship of tested specimens under axial compression was simulated using the parabolic model.