Layered Blast Capacity Analysis of FRP Retrofitted RC Member

Abstract

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofitting of RC structures against blast loading is an emerging research area of major significance. Currently, several guidelines are available for the FRP retrofitting of RC structures against monotonic and seismic loads. However, no advice is provided from these guidelines for the retrofit RC structures against blast loading. This paper formulates a layered model that allows for both FRP strengthening and the consideration of strain rate effects on the blast resistant capacity of flexural structural members. The layered model is incorporated into a single degree of freedom model for dynamic analyses and it is validated with blast tests. The validated model is then used in a parametric study which investigates the changes in strength, ductility and energy absorption capacities of flexural FRP strengthened members under blast loads. It is found that the capacity of a flexural member to resist a blast load can be increased greatly with the use of compressive face plating with the ductility of the flexural member being the key factor.