Repair and Retrofit of Structures with Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)

摘要

A large number of existing structures worldwide require strengthening to carry heavier loads. The additional loads may be caused by larger live loads (gravity), earthquakes, or blast loading. Additionally, many structures require repair due to corrosion of steel. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) products are durable, very light and strong and provide an excellent solution for such applications. These materials are applied like wall paper and reach strengths of more than twice that of steel in a day. In most cases, FPRs offer more economical alternatives than conventional materials for upgrading existing structures. This paper summarizes some of the pioneering research and developments conducted at the University of Arizona since the late 1980s. In addition, field applications over the last decade are presented where the technology has been successfully used to strengthen buildings, bridges, pipelines, etc. Case studies include several projects on concrete, masonry and wood structures. A number of these projects have been recognized by awards, such as the 14-story McKinley Tower in Anchorage, AK that received the 2006 Award of Excellence from the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). Among the projects presented is the seismic retrofit of the LA County Museum of Natural History, which is currently under construction.