Innovative Applications of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete and Polymers for the Seismic Retrofitting of Substandard RC Structures

Dear Colleagues,

The seismic performance of existing substandard reinforced concrete (RC) structures is predominantly governed by brittle failure mechanisms, which significantly limit their deformation capacity and overall ductility. This is due to the non-application of the capacity design principles, as well as to numerous structural deficiencies related to the low quality of concrete and steel and poor detailing of the reinforcement. In modern RC structures, a predetermined acceptable level of structural damage is expected, even in the event of the occurrence of the design earthquake, allowing for the effective dissipation of seismic energy. However, this structural damage is repairable and does not affect the bearing capacity and structural integrity. Nevertheless, recent experimental and analytical research found in the literature indicates that unexpected brittle failure of the structural members of modern RC structures is also possible, with severe detrimental effects on the structural integrity. The latter is also true for existing RC structures which are retrofitted according to modern design codes to withstand strong future earthquakes. The foregoing remarks demonstrate the need for both improving the current design codes and for providing well-documented solutions for the effective strengthening of RC members. Among the techniques for retrofitting existing RC structures, the optimisation of the those utilising innovative materials, such as fibre-reinforced concrete of high- or ultra-high-strength and fibre-reinforced polymers of various forms, has emerged as a research field of paramount importance. This prominence is due to the considerable advantages these materials may offer, under specific circumstances, with respect to more conventional alternatives. Further investigation, both experimental and analytical, is required to improve retrofit techniques utilising innovative materials.

This Special Issue aims to provide a significant impetus in the understanding of the failure mechanisms developed in RC members of both the modern and existing substandard RC structures during strong earthquakes, as well as to propose solutions to prevent premature, brittle failures of RC members, particularly of the most vulnerable ones (short).

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include the following:

• Experimental and analytical investigation of the seismic behaviour of substandard, modern, and retrofitted RC members.
• Research into the effectiveness of retrofit schemes and application techniques, which includes the use of innovative materials, such as fibre-reinforced concrete of high or ultra-high strength and fibre-reinforced polymers.

Dr. George Kalogeropoulos
Prof. Dr. Alexandros-Dimitrios Tsonos
Guest Editors

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• experimental tests
• analytical and numerical modelling
• retrofit
• innovative materials
• steel fibre concrete
• FRP
• shear span ratio
• reinforced concrete
• seismic response
• earthquake engineering
• cyclic behaviour
• damage diagnosis, assessment, and prevention
• novel construction materials
• beam–column joints, columns, beams, and slabs