Evaluating Seismic Resistance and Energy Dissipation of CFRP-Reinforced Concrete Frames Under Monotonic Loading

Abstract

Reinforced concrete structures are increasingly vulnerable to deterioration by steel reinforcement corrosion, resulting in severe loss of fracture strength and service life, particularly in severe environmental exposure. Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are a corrosion-resistant alternative with high-strength performance for construction in seismic and corrosive environments. This work studies the structural behavior of CFRP-reinforced concrete (CRC) frames through numerical simulation and validates them against experimental results. Five full-size CRC frames, with four beams and four columns in a grid arrangement, were loaded monotonically and reversed laterally under constant gravity loads. CFRP bars were used as longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. Parametric analysis was conducted using nonlinear pushover analysis (POA) in SAP2000 (v2014) based on reinforcement area and cross-section member variations. The result shows that CRC frames have sufficient strength, energy dissipation, and deformation capacity, which justifies using CFRP as a long-term alternative to steel in seismically active and corrosive environments. The study's findings confirm the feasibility of designing large-scale ductile structures by driving key structural parameters, such as concrete compressive strength and beam-column rotational stiffness. Additionally, doubling the rotational stiffness caused the ductility ratio to be fourfold. Additionally, enhancing concrete confinement, particularly with lateral confinement stress being four times greater than vertical stress, resulted in a nearly 187% ductility increase under unconfined circumstances. These results emphasize joint stiffness and confinement's crucial role in achieving optimum seismic performance.

Keywords

CFRP / ductility ratio / rigid frames / seismic resistance / shear capacity

References

[1] O. Gunes, D. Lau, C. Tuakta, and O. Büyüköztürk, “Ductility of FRP-Concrete Systems: Investigations at Different Length Scales,” Construction and Building Materials 49 (2013): 915–925.

[2] Z. Jun, S. Chenzhe, R. Wenbo, Z. Xiangcheng, and S. Yuping, “Experimental and Numerical Studies on Seismic Performance of Rectangular Concrete Columns Reinforced by CFRP Bars With Different Ratios and Positions,” Structures 32 (2021): 237–253.

[3] A. Urlainis and I. M. Shohet, “A Comprehensive Approach to Earthquake-Resilient Infrastructure: Integrating Maintenance With Seismic Fragility Curves,” Buildings 13, no. 9 (2023): 2265.

[4] A. Urlainis and I. Shohet, “Development of Exclusive Seismic Fragility Curves for Critical Infrastructure: An Oil Pumping Station Case Study,” Buildings 12, no. 6 (2022): 842.

[5] A. Urlainis and I. M. Shohet, “Seismic Risk Mitigation and Management for Critical Infrastructures Using an RMIR Indicator,” Buildings 12, no. 10 (2022): 1748.

[6] A. Urlainis, I. M. Shohet, and R. Levy, “Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Oil and Gas Infrastructures for Seismic Extreme Events,” Procedia Engineering 123 (2015): 590–598.

[7] A. Urlainis, G. Lifshitz Sherzer, and I. M. Shohet, “Multi-Scale Integrated Corrosion-Adjusted Seismic Fragility Framework for Critical Infrastructure Resilience,” Applied Sciences 14, no. 19 (2024): 8789.

[8] G. Lifshitz Sherzer, A. Urlainis, S. Moyal, and I. M. Shohet, “Seismic Resilience in Critical Infrastructures: A Power Station Preparedness Case Study,” Applied Sciences 14, no. 9 (2024): 3835.

[9] A. Urlainis, D. Ornai, R. Levy, O. Vilnay, and I. M. Shohet, “Loss and Damage Assessment in Critical Infrastructures Due to Extreme Events,” Safety Science 147 (2022): 147.

[10] A. Urlainis, I. M. Shohet, R. Levy, D. Ornai, and O. Vilnay, “Damage in Critical Infrastructures Due to Natural and Man-Made Extreme Events—A Critical Review,” Procedia Engineering 85 (2014): 529–535.

[11] H.-H. Wei, M. J. Skibniewski, I. M. Shohet, and X. Yao, “Lifecycle Environmental Performance of Natural-Hazard Mitigation for Buildings,” Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities 30, no. 3 (2016): 04015042.

[12] H. H. Wei, M. J. Skibniewski, I. M. Shohet, et al., “Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Seismic Risk Mitigation for a Region With Moderate Seismicity: The Case of Tiberias, Israel,” Procedia Engineering 85 (2014): 536–542.

[13] T. Ji, H. H. Wei, I. M. Shohet, and F. Xiong, “Risk-Based Resilience Concentration Assessment of Community to Seismic Hazards,” Natural Hazards 108, no. 2 (2021): 1731–1751.

[14] H. H. Wei, M. J. Skibniewski, I. M. Shohet, et al., “Benefit-Cost Analysis of the Seismic Risk Mitigation for a Region With Moderate Seismicity: The Case of Tiberias, Israel,” Procedia Engineering 85 (2014): 536–542.

[15] A. Al-Lami, P. Hilmer, and M. Sinapius, “Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Manufacturing Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) in Aerospace Industry,” Aerospace Science and Technology 79 (2018): 669–678.

[16] M. Maidi, G. L. Sherzer, and E. Gal, “Enhancing Ductility in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Concrete Sections: A Multi-Scale Investigation,” Computers and Concrete 33, no. 4 (2024): 385–398.

[17] M. Maidi, G. L. Sherzer, and E. Gal, “Multiscale Numerical Study of Enhanced Ductility Ratios and Capacity in Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Concrete Beams for Safety Design,” Polymers 17, no. 2 (2025): 234.

[18] M. Maidi, G. Lifshitz Sherzer, I. Shufrin, and E. Gal, “Seismic Resilience of CRC- vs. Rc-Reinforced Buildings: A Long-Term Evaluation,” Applied Sciences 14, no. 23 (2024): 11079.

[19] T. W. Clyne and H.d. , An Introduction to Composite Materials (Cambridge University, 2019).

[20] O. Starkova, K. Aniskevich, and J. Sevcenko, “Long-Term Moisture Absorption and Durability of FRP Pultruded Rebars,” Materials Today: Proceedings 34 (2021): 36–40.

[21] B. Benmokrane, V. L. Brown, A. H. Ali, K. Mohamed, and C. Shield, “Reconsideration of the Environmental Reduction Factor C_E for GFRP Reinforcing Bars in Concrete Structures,” Journal of Composites for Construction 24, no. 4 (2020): 6020001.

[22] F. Ceroni, E. Cosenza, M. Gaetano, and M. Pecce, “Durability Issues of FRP Rebars in Reinforced Concrete Members,” Cement and Concrete Composites 28, no. 10 (2006): 857–868.

[23] T. Imjai, R. Garcia, M. Guadagnini, and K. Pilakoutas, “Strength Degradation in Curved Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Bars Used as Concrete Reinforcement,” Polymers 12, no. 8 (2020): 1653.

[24] Y. Bai and T. Keller, “Shear Failure of Pultruded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Under Axial Compression,” Journal of Composites for Construction 13, no. 3 (2009): 234–242.

[25] T. Paulay, “The Philosophy and Application of Capacity Design,” Scientia Iranica 20, no. 2 (1995): 117–136.

[26] T. Paulay and R. Park, “Reinforcd Concrete Structure,” Simultaneosly in Canada 776, no. o471659171 (1974): 1–776.

[27] T. Renić and T. Kišiček, “Ductility of Concrete Beams Reinforced With FRP Rebars,” Buildings 11, no. 9 (2021): 424.

[28] A. M. Ivanković, J. Radić, and Z. Savor, New Seismic Design Requirements for Bridge Structures in Croatia, (2007).

[29] Eurocode 8, Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance - Part 1: General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings Eurocode, 240 (2004): 1–240.

[30] CSA S807-10, Specification for Fibre-reinforced Polymers. (Reaffirmed), 44 (2015).

[31] ACI 440, “Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures,” ACI, Farmington Hills, Michigan 2 (2002): 200.

[32] CSA S806-12, “Design and Construction of Building Structures With Fibre-Reinforced Polymer,” Canadian Standards Association 12 (2012): 198.

[33] ACI 440.1R-15, CNR-DT 200 R1/2012: Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Existing Structures Materials, RC and PC Structures, Masonry Structures, 12 (2015).

[34] T. Kišiček, T. Renić, D. Lazarević, and I. Hafner, “Compressive Shear Strength of Reinforced Concrete Walls at High Ductility Levels,” Sustainability 12, no. 11 (2020): 4434.

[35] A. Badakhsh, K. H. An, and B. J. Kim, “Enhanced Surface Energetics of CNT-Grafted Carbon Fibers for Superior Electrical and Mechanical Properties in CFRPs,” Polymers 12, no. 6 (2020): 1432.

[36] Z. Lu, M. Jiang, Y. Pan, G. Xian, and M. Yang, “Durability of Basalt Fibers, Glass Fibers, and Their Reinforced Polymer Composites in Artificial Seawater,” Polymer Composites 43, no. 4 (2022): 1961–1973.

[37] SAP-2000, Three Dimensional Static and Dynamic Finite Element Analysis and Design of Structures, Analysis Reference, Version 17 (Computer and Structures, Inc., 2017), https://www.csiamerica.com/products/sap2000.

[38] FEMA-356, Prestandard and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings. (November), 518 (2000).

[39] FEMA-273, “NEHRP Guidelines and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings,” Earthquake Spectra 435, no. 1 (1997): 1–435.

[40] M. Beneldjouzi, M. Remki, and F. Kehila, “Displacement-Based Methodology for Seismic Analysis of a Retrofitted Substandard Low-Rise RC Building Using Conditional Mean Spectra,” Iranian Journal of Science and Technology - Transactions of Civil Engineering no. 0123456789 (2023): 48.

[41] A. K. Chopra and R. K. Goel, “Capacity-Demand-Diagram Methods Based on Inelastic Design Spectrum,” Earthquake Spectra 15, no. 4 (1999): 637–656.

[42] M. Maidi and I. Shufrin, “Evaluation of Existing Reinforced Concrete,” Buildings for Seismic Retrofit through External Stiffening: Limit Displacement Method. Buildings 14, no. 9 (2024): 2781.

[43] G. M. Calvi, G. Magenes, and S. Pampanin Experimental Test on a Three Storey R.C. Frame Designed for Gravity Only.

[44] T. Kiši, Z. Sori, and J. Gali, “Determining Deflection of Concrete Girders Strengthened With Fibre Reinforced Polymers,” Gradevinar 60, no. 6 (2008): 499–511.

[45] M. M. Ahmed, O. A. Farghal, A. K. Nagah, and A. A. Haridy, “Effect of Confining Method on the Ductility of Over-Reinforced Concrete Beams,” JES: Journal of Engineering Sciences 35, no. 3 (2007): 617–633.

[46] J. L. Bazan and V. I. Fernandez-Davila, “Evaluation of the Experimental Curvature Ductility of Rc Beams Externally Strengthened With CFRP Bands,” Structures 26, no. May (2020): 1010–1020.

[47] G. Lifshitz Sherzer, E. Schlangen, G. Ye, and A. E. Gal, “Evaluating Compressive Mechanical Ldpm Parameters Based on an Upscaled Multiscale Approach,” Construction and Building Materials 251 (2020): 118912.

[48] B. Binici, “An Analytical Model for Stress-Strain Behavior of Confined Concrete,” Engineering Structures 27, no. 7 (2005): 1040–1051.

[49] A. K. Chopra, Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering, 4/E, (2012).

[50] A. Chopra and R. Goel, “Capacity-Demand-Diagram Methods for Estimating Seismic Deformation of Inelastic Structures: SDF Systems,” Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center 15 (1999): 67.

[51] A. K. Chopra and R. K. Goel, “A Modal Pushover Analysis Procedure for Estimating Seismic Demands for Buildings,” Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics 31, no. 3 (2002): 561–582.

[52] A. K. Chopra and R. K. Goel, “A Modal Pushover Analysis Procedure to Estimate Seismic Demands for Unsymmetric-Plan Buildings,” Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics 33, no. 8 (2004): 903–927.

[53] A. K. Chopra and R. K. Goel, “A Modal Pushover Analysis Procedure for Estimating Seismic Demands for Buildings,” Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics 31, no. 3 (2002): 561–582.

[54] R. Suriyati, Z. Ridwan, Z. Djauhari, and I. Romey Sitompul, “Seismic Performance of Building Reinforced With CFRP Bars,” MATEC Web of Conferences 276 (2019): 01021.

[55] Y. Zhou, Y. Zheng, L. Sui, B. Hu, and X. Huang, “Study on the Flexural Performance of Hybrid-Reinforced Concrete Beams With a New Cathodic Protection System Subjected to Corrosion,” Materials 13, no. 1 (2020): 234.

[56] S. Song, G. Wang, X. Min, N. Duan, and Y. Tu, “Experimental Study on Cyclic Response of Concrete Frames Reinforced by Steel-CFRP Hybrid Reinforcement,” Journal of Building Engineering 34, no. October 2020 (2021): 101937.

[57] SeismoStruct– A Computer Program for Static and Dynamic Nonlinear Analysis of Framed Structures, (2024).

Rights & permissions

2026 The Author(s). Earthquake Engineering and Resilience published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Tianjin University.