ABSTRACT
This paper aims at investigating the application of polymeric composite materials and adhesives as repair and retrofit systems for reinforced concrete moment frame connections. Four half-scale interior beam-column connections reinforced with composites were tested under cyclic reverse loading. Following a load control test regime to yielding, two specimens were repaired with quasi-isotropic carbon and E-glass composites and epoxy adhesives. The effectiveness of the repairs was characterized. The third and fourth specimens were retrofitted with the same carbon and E-glass composites and epoxy adhesives and tested to failure for comparison. Depending on the composite/epoxy system used, an increase of 8–45% and 4–45% was observed in the initial stiffness and the ultimate load capacity, respectively. It is concluded that with judicious selection of material properties, the composite/epoxy system represents a viable alternative to conventional repair/retrofit methods.
