Externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymer composites for seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete coupling beams designed according to old codes.

A large number of existing buildings have seismic-resistant systems designed according to old code provisions. These structural systems exhibit non-ductile behavior and can present a significant risk in the case of a moderate or significant seismic event. Reinforced concrete–coupled shear walls designed to old codes and standards are among those deficient structures that need to be seismically upgraded. This article aims to investigate a new retrofitting and upgrading method using externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymer composites for existing or/and damaged reinforced concrete coupling beams that can improve the seismic performance of them during earthquakes. To this end, an experimental test was conducted to evaluate the seismic behavior of two identical reinforced concrete–coupled shear wall specimens under reverse cyclic loading. To simulate the old existing building, the specimens were designed and constructed according to the old 1941 National Building Code of Canada with a conventionally reinforced coupling beam. One of the specimens was tested as a control, and the other was strengthened using externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymer composites to evaluate the improvement in its seismic performance. Results show that the retrofit using externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymer resulted in significant enhancement in strength and energy dissipation capacity compared to the conventionally reinforced coupling beam from the control specimen. In addition, externally bonded carbon fiber–reinforced polymer sheets resulted in much improved hysteretic and ductile behavior and in lesser strength and stiffness degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]