Seismic Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Columns Strengthened with Polyurea Coatings

Abstract

We conducted a preliminary study evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns retrofitted with polyurea (STPU) and glass fiber reinforced polyurea (GFPU). Experimentally, we conducted quasi-static, pseudo-dynamic and shaking table tests of RC columns having both circular and rectangular cross-sectional geometries. The data shows that STPU and GFPU both improve the demand of RC columns seismic value rustled displacement, energy dissipation, ductility and reserve capacity. A finite element (FE) model was developed and calibrated using experimental data with reasonable correlation between numerical results and experimental outcomes. The FE model indicates the superiority of circular columns over rectangular ones in terms of performance because of their cross-sectional shape, which possesses continuous surface geometry. These results emphasize the advantages of hybrid STPU-GFRP reinforcing in terms of RC columns’ performance regarding seismic loads, alongside acknowledging the versatility in structural retrofitting construction.