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| Author(s): |
Tatiana de Cássia Coutinho Silva da Fonseca
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Doctoral Thesis |
| Press: | São Carlos. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD) |
| Defense date: | 2013-02-07 |
| Examining board members: |
João Bento de Hanai;
João Carlos Della Bella;
Ricardo Carrazedo;
Mounir Khalil El Debs;
Marcelo de Araújo Ferreira
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| Advisor: | João Bento de Hanai |
| Abstract | |
In this research, the strengthening of beam-to-column connections in precast concrete structures is evaluated. The strengthening technique used is internationally known as Near-Surface-Mounted and involves the bonding of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) strips into slits made in concrete cover. There are no references about the use of this or any else technique in the strengthening of connections in precast structures however it could be an option when the structure presents an unsatisfactory behavior. Because of the innovative characteristic of the purpose, experimental tests are required. A pilot test was performed in a frame with reduced dimensions. The frame had initially pinned connections that were strengthened. The strengthening provided a reduction in the beam deflection and the recovery of the initial stiffness of the frame. Although the promising results, the frame dimensions imposed limitations in relation to the strips bonding length and to the distance to the beam edge that contributed to the premature failure by splitting of strips and concrete. It was also performed a test in a strengthened semi-rigid connection. An increase in the connection stiffness was observed. Experimental static and dynamic tests were performed on three real scaled frame models. The results of these tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the strengthening in the increasing of stiffness, natural frequency and strength of the frame. It was also observed that the strengthening reduced the reinforcement strain. The numerical simulation of the dynamic tests allowed the indirect determination of the connections stiffness and supported the definition of boundary conditions in the simulation of the static tests that allowed a better understanding in relation to cracking and stress distribution. Through this research it was confirmed that the strengthening technique proposed is useful for rehabilitation of structures with disabilities related to ultimate limit state, since the increase in resistance was achieved, and also related to the serviceability limit states, since strengthened structures presented lower vertical displacements and higher natural frequencies. It is highlighted that the dynamic tests were important not only to obtain the modal parameters of the structure, but also to evaluate the real boundary conditions of the static tests. (AU) | |