FIB 35: Retrofitting of concrete structures by externally bonded FRPs, with emphasis on seismic applications

fib Bulletin 35 is the first bulletin to publish documentation from an fib short course. These courses are held worldwide and cover advanced knowledge of structural concrete in general, or specific topics. They are organized by fib and given by internationally recognized experts in fib, often supplemented with local experts active in fib. They are based on the knowledge and expertise from fib's ten Commissions and nearly fifty Task Groups.
fib Bulletin 35 presents the course materials developed for the short course "Retrofitting of Concrete Structures through Externally Bonded FRP, with emphasis on Seismic Applications", given in Ankara and Istanbul in June 2005. The course drew on expertise both from outside Turkey and from the large pool of local experts on this subject.
In most countries of the world, the building stock is ageing and needs continuous maintenance or repair. Moreover, the majority of existing constructions are deficient in the light of current knowledge and design codes. The problem of structural deficiency of existing constructions is especially acute in seismic regions, as, even there, seismic design of structures is relatively recent. The direct and indirect costs of demolition and reconstruction of structurally deficient constructions are often prohibitive; furthermore they entail a substantial waste of natural resources and energy. Therefore, structural retrofitting is becoming increasingly widespread throughout the world.
Externally bonded Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are rapidly becoming the technique of choice for structural retrofitting. They are cleaner and easier to apply than conventional retrofitting techniques, reduce disruption to the occupancy and operation of the facility, do not generate debris or waste, and reduce health and accident hazards at the construction site as well as noise and air pollution in the surroundings.
fib Bulletin 35 gives state-of-the-art coverage of retrofitting through FRPs and presents relevant provisions from three recent standardisation milestones: EN 1998-3:2005 "Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance - Part 3: Assessment and retrofitting of buildings", the 2005 Draft of the Turkish seismic design code, and the Italian regulatory document CNR-DT 200/04, "Instructions for Design, Execution and Control of Strengthening Interventions by Means of Fibre-Reinforced Composites" (2004).