Retrofitting of Thermally Affected Structural Compression Member Using Basalt FRP Laminates

Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore - 641407, India.

^* Corresponding author: venkat1294@gmail.com

Abstract

Concrete structures exposed to high temperatures often experience thermal damage, which can significantly reduce their structural integrity. Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wrapping is a common retrofitting technique used to restore the strength and durability of thermally affected concrete. This study investigates the effectiveness of Basalt Fiber-reinforced Polymer wrapping on different concrete specimens with varying orientations of wrapping. This study mainly focuses on various parameters as fiber orientation and wrapping methodology. A series of 15 columns of dimension 150mm x 150mm with a length of 700mm are cast and subjected to axial compression loading in a pre-heated condition until the initial cracking occurs. These cracked columns are made to strengthen using Basalt Fiber with different patterns of orientation of laminates. The retrofitted columns are subjected to axial compression loading to determine their maximum load-bearing capacities. The test results of this experiment is assessed and compared with conventional RC columns of same grade. The strength of retrofitted columns versus conventional ones are compared and analyzed. The maximum load bearing capacity for a particular pattern of wrapping is determined.