SEISMIC RETROFITTING

OF CONCRETE MEMBERS
WITH FRP COMPOSITES
What is seismic retrofitting?
Seismic retrofitting is a process to modify or upgrade existing
structures to make them resistant to earthquakes. Structural
engineers now give special attention to the ability of a structure
to withstand ground motion, seismic activity, and soil failure.
 A number of concrete structures benefit from seismic

“
retrofit. Following the modern construction technology,
it has become a necessity to build concrete infrastructure
that can withstand natural calamities.
REASONS TO SEISMIC RETROFIT

To ensure the Marketability of Infrastructure

safety of building’s buildings improved as resistant to natural
employees, and the seismic retrofit ensure disasters save
durability of security governments billions
a building of dollars
FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)
composites are advanced and
relatively modern construction
materials that offer unique
characteristics such as superior
corrosion-resistance, high
strength, lightweight,
electromagnetic neutrality, and
long service life.
Their strength, toughness, and
ease of installation indicate that
they can alter the load
deformation response
considerably for the better.
GFRP construction materials are
the best example of how FRP can
improve the overall condition of
exiting concrete members.
 FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION
FRP materials include two main
components: fiber reinforcement
and a polymer resin matrix.
Other components are fillers used
to enhance water resistance,
weathering, dimensional stability.
Additives are used to modify
material properties.
The performance and integrity of
the fiber, the polymer resin
matrix, and the concrete when
encased by the fiber need to be
evaluated for the range of long-
term environmental conditions
likely to be encountered in
practice.
 FRP COMPOSITES AND REHABILITATION

FRPs are used for seismic strengthening of reinforced concrete structures

when conventional strengthening techniques and materials fail to be a
practical solution. Composite materials completely outclass conventional me
trials when its comes to rehabilitation and building corrosion-free and
durable concrete members.
WHY FRP COMPOSITES?

High tensile strength

¼ the weight of steel

Ease of installation

Corrosion free

Zero maintenance

Variety of rehabilitation
applications
 FABRICATION

For seismic retrofitting, it is essential that the FRP material is tight against
the structure. A common FRP strengthening methods used for shear
enhancement or inadequate length lap splice enhancement are passive
methods. The concrete must start to crack up and dilate before the composite
can take over. Success in the previous projects and emergence of new design
codes encourage structural engineers to use FRP composites as a perfect
alternative to traditional materials such as steel.
 ECONOMICS

FRP composites, taking into account the long-term benefits and

advantages, are cost-effective rehabilitation solutions. In seismic
retrofit, FRP jackets are cost-effective alternative to steel-plate and
concrete jackets. Concrete members reinforced with FRP are almost
maintenance free.
ABOUT TUF-BAR
TUF-BAR has developed into a leading
manufacturer of GFRP bars and accessories in
North America. The company produces the
highest-quality GFRP construction and
rehabilitation materials for a wide number of
applications including bridges, dams, highways,
water facilities, buildings, etc.
 CONTACT INFO

1.888.99.REBAR info@tuf-bar.com www.tuf-bar.com