Abstract

Retrofitting is basically defined by two properties: better economic consideration and

immediate shelter to problems rather than replacement of buildings. The research is
aimed for comparing the strength values of pre and post retrofit prototype models. The
varying parameter is loading and area cover by tape over the column viz.mid, extreme
ends and whole column retrofitted. Parameters kept constant are: amount of fine and
coarse aggregates, cement and area of reinforcement.

The main aim of the research is to explore the feasibility of rubber rebars as
reinforcement by comparing crushing value on application of loads. The report has three
major sections: introduction, a summary of tests, and a discussion of findings the strength
of models.

iv
 01. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General:
The modification of existing building structures which makes them more resistant to
seismic activity or ground motion is known as retrofitting of structures.
Building structures can be
--earthquake damaged
--earthquake vulnerable
To replace buildings retrofitting has proved to be more economic and immediate shelter
to problems.
Retrofitting may be;
--retrofitting of RC structures
--retrofitting of masonry structures
1.2 Strategies:
Strategies are the ways following seismic provisions and advanced materials which are
available, like FRP, HSS, and Frc etc. retrofit techniques are quite different from retrofit
strategies. Retrofit technique use technical methods to obtain the strategy, while retrofit
strategies use basic approach to get desired objective, like increase in strength, increase in
deformability, reducing demands, etc.
Strategies leads to:
1. Increase in global capacity or strength.
2. Increase in local capacity of building elements.
3. To provide damping by using seismic friction dampers.

1.3 Objectives:
Increase in strength and ductility.
To Upgrade the lateral strength of the structure.
Comparing the strength of parent and retrofitted structure and get to know
whether approachable strength is coming or is not feasible.
To make the structural element more economic(using rubber rebars).
Structure is light in weight.
Easy to handle and maintenance cost is low.
The materials used in the whole research are: cement, sand, aggregates, frp, tape, rubber
rebars. The properties related to them are mentioned below:

1.4 Properties of materials:

1.4.1 Properties of cement:
1. High compressive strength,

v
 2. More economical than steel,
3. It is corrosion resistant and no any atmospheric effect on it,
4. Its hardening property continues for a long time as it hardens with age. This
property gives it a unique place among building materials,
5. Binding nature of cement with steel is rapid, but weak in tension, at suitable
places steel reinforcement is placed to take the tensile stresses, often known as
reinforced cement concrete.
1.4.2 Properties of aggregates:
1. It possess absorption and porosity.
2. It is permeable in nature.
3. Possesses strength and elasticity.
4. Have density and specific gravity.
5. Possess voids.
6. Hardness.
7. Particle shape.
8. Surface texture.
1.4.3 Properties of frp:
1. It is impact resistant.
2. Able to carry heavy loads.
3. It is flexible.
4. Having good strength and stiffness.
1.4.4 Properties of rebars:
1. Thermal expansion.
2. Corrosion resistant.
3. Tensile in nature.

vi
 02. LITERATURE REVIEW

1. Frieder Seible, M. J. N. Priestley, G. A. Hegemier, and D. Innamorato

retrofitting of rc columns having continuous carbon fiber jackets seismically

The column jacketing comprises of continuous carbon fiber prepreg tows which are
wound in an automated fashion onto existing circular or rectangular concrete
columns.The thickness of jacket varies along the height of column based on design
models.it has been seen that composite column retrofit can be as effective as conventional
steel jacketing. In all test cases, the continuous carbon tow jackets met or exceeded
deformation capacities obtained as for the steel jacket retrofits. The stiffness and capacity
values increases which were less than those obtained from the comparable steel jacket
retrofits, can be important seismic retrofit design parameters.

2. M. S. Saiidi, N. I. Wehbe, D. H. Sanders, and C. J. Caywood: experimental

study on RC flare bridge columns subjected to earthquakes having shear retrofitting.

Rc columns having structural flares have advantage over the prismatic columns as hinge
(plastic) acts at places away from end connection. Research studies revealed that plastic
hinge doesnt act at sections or get started at sections having maximum bending moment
when the column is having parabolic structural flares. The position of hinge depends
upon the geometry of structural flares and steel details longitudinally or from moment
curvature analyses performed at different cross sections along the height of column.

3. Dong S. Gu, Gang Wu, Yu-Fei Wu, and Zhi-Shen Wu Yu-Fei Wu: effectiveness of
confining retrofitted circular columns under stimulated seismic load.

Drift capacity is hghly influenced by axial load level and aspect ratio for frp retrofitted columns.
High axial load level is effective to drift capacity. To resist high axial load and to attain desired
drift capacity, frps which are highly confined are required. Aspect ratio is directly proportional to
drift capacity as revealed by studies, which means higher aspect ratio increases drift capacity.
Energy dissipated from retrofitted columns are influenced by jacket confinement stiffness implies
influence is negligible when there is low axial load and when there is high axial load, there is
greater stiffness and hence energy is dissipated more.
Research studies have revealed that drift capacity of retrofitted columns is greatly affected by
amount of confining frp, that is, low level confinement increases the drift capacity. However,
there is reduction in deformation capacity when confinement goes beyond the critical value.

4. P. Lignola, G. Manfredi, A. Prota, and E. Cosenza: Experimental Performance of

CFRP retrofitted RC Hollow Columns.

In this paper they studied the behaviour of hollow non-circular column subjected to both
axial load and bending. Total of 7 specimens have been tested.
Research studies found that composite wrapping enhances the strength of piers under
eccentric loading. There was improvement in strength when specimens were loaded
with smaller eccentricity but was opposite to ductility which shows improvement in
strength loaded to bigger eccentricity. Curvature ductility measures were used for
measuring the ductility. For unstrengthened columns, the curvature ductility varies
between 1-1.5 while for strengthened columns, the same ranges between 3.02- 8.07.

vii
 5. R. Realfonzo, and A. Napoli. Cyclic Behavior of FRP retrofitted RC Columns
and Strengthened by Steel Devices.

This paper represents the seismic performance of RC columns confined externally by

FRP. The specimens were subjected to constant axial load and cyclic or monotonic
flexure. Both confined and unconfined frp columns were tested. Research studies found
that the increase in ductility was with the confinement of frp. At high loads (v=40%)
improvement of strength were seen by frp confinement.
The degradation of stiffness is not dependent on frp confinement system. For
strengthened columns, the energy dissipated is more than unstrengthened.

6. B. Shan and Y. Xiao: Behavior of RC Columns Subjected to Simulated

Earthquake Loading retrofitted externally by FRP.

This paper reports analysis of axial loading of frp retrofitted columns with stimulated
earthquake loading having different degrees. The result show that creep of column
increases with increase in damage degree. At high earthquake or high axial load, the life
of creep declines and causes rupture of frp. Creep model is prepared and is verified
against the creep tests performed by Naguib and mirmiran (2002) and with the tests
conducted by authors.
According to results from creep model, damage index=0.85 for frp retrofitted columns is
maximum acceptable damage level.

7. H. l. Coffman, M. L. Marsh, and C B brown: durability of RC columns

seismically.

In this paper performance of 4 columns were studied. The RC columns of period 1950 to
mid-1970 era were retrofitted and tested under quasi static lateral loads. From the
research studies, the stiffness of column didnt change with retrofitting. The column
strength didnt increase and the energy dissipated get slightly increased. From the studies,
details got effected but not substance with the amount of used material.

8. J. G. Teng, L. Lam, G. Lin, J. Y. Lu, and Q. G. Xiao: Numerical Simulation of

FRP-Jacketed RC Columns Subjected to Cyclic and Seismic Loading.

The paper represents behaviour of cyclic and seismic loading of retrofitted RC columns.
Numerical model was proposed and being implemented into opensees by using beam-
column element. The results obtained from analyses were presented and compared with
test results. The fixed end rotation has effect on the column and accounts more than 15%
of lateral displacement under cyclic loading. The same model can be used to predict the
response of retrofitted columns under the effect of ground motion having both large and
small amplitudes.

9. S. W. Park, W. P. Yen, J. D. Cooper, and J. D. O Fallon: under repeated

ground motions performance of rc bridge column seismically.

In this research paper, the RC column is investigated by experiments using shake table.
The model is subjected to simulated ground motion. The same column beared ground

viii
motions. It has been found that with increase in damage level of column, the stiffness of
column got decreased. The energy dissipated also increased with increase in damage
level. On cracking of concrete, the energy dissipated is significant in initial stage of
loading. The analyses of frequency of columns vibration at earthquake ground motions
shows, with increase in damage level, frequency decreases.

10. R SADONE, Emmanuel FERRIER, and Julien MERCIER: experimental

study on frp retrofitted RC columns under seismic loading.

In this paper, strengthening configuration were applied on retrofitted columns and were
tested under axial and cyclic lateral load. Confining frp and flexural reinforcement were
seen from the analysis of tests. From the studies, the ductility got enhanced for confined
RC columns at the footing- column junction plastic hinge is located and where
accumulation of damage zone lies. There was no change in ductility and strength with
longitudinal reinforcement.

11. Alper Ilki, O Peker, Emre Karamuk, C. Demir, and N. Kumbasar: FRP
Retrofit of circular and rectangular RC columns of low and medium strength
(2008).

In this research paper, 68 specimens were tested subjected to uniaxial compression

retrofitted externally by CFRP. Among 68, 40 specimens were casted as low strength
concrete and transverse reinforcement as inadequate, whereas 28 specimens were casted
as medium strength concrete and transverse reinforcement as adequate. The important
parameters in the whole research work were thickness of jacketing, strength of concrete,
amount of reinforcement, orientation, spacing etc of bonding of cfrp sheets and the type
of loading, etc.
From the research studies, it has been found that with increase in confinement of cfrp
sheets, the ductility and strength also get increased. The strength was more in circular
columns rather than rectangular/square ones. In low strength concrete the retrofitting was
more efficient which provides cost effective solutions to existing buildings, being build
using concrete having strength low. It has been found that jacketing prevents buckling of
bars and spalling of concrete.

ix
 03. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 General:
The entire research comprises of following steps: viz.
1. Casting of prototype models,
2. Finding the crushing load/strength, and
3. Comparing strength values.
The materials required are:
I. cement(pozzolona Portland cement,43 grade),
II. sand,
III. 10mm fine aggregates (40%),
IV. 20mm coarse aggregates (60%),
V. FRP and elastic tape,
VI. Steel and rubber rebars, and
VII. Water

Initially the testing of materials are done, for cement the tests include, fineness,
soundness, consistency and initial and final setting time. After performing the
corresponding tests the respective values are noted down. Similarly for coarse and fine
aggregates the tests are, viz. Aggregate crushing test, abrasion test, impact test, water
absorption test, specific gravity, and sieve analysis. The end values are noted down.
These values are then compared to the standard values and is seen whether the material
chosen are feasible for research purpose or needs more attention.
Firstly slenderness ratio is seen by length of column (le) to least radius of gyration(r). To
calculate the diameter of prototype model, slenderness ratio is used (l/d=3). The details of
the bar like diameter and area are calculated by load assumptions. The prototype model is
then prepared with corresponding dimensions (300mm*100mm).
The moulds are casted with materials like cement, sand and aggregates. The design mix
used is M15 and M20. On an average two moulds for each grade is casted. After casting
the moulds are oven dried and are taken for testing purposes. Testing is seen for 14 and
28 days and the crushing or strength values are obtained. Similarly another mould is
casted but the little difference is instead if steel reinforcement rubber rebars are used. The
same procedure if followed written above and the strength values are obtained.
The same models are retrofitted with FRP and Elastic tape with the pattern like center, on
extreme ends and the entire column. Strength values for each column is obtained.

x
 The final step is to compare the strength values of retrofitted with normal columns
and the result is drawn whether the strength is comparable or more than former ones.

3.2 Testing :
A. Aggregate tests:
1. AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE
To determine the crushing value of coarse aggregates crushing test is performed.
The apparatus required are: Cylindrical measure, plunger, Compression testing machine,
Sieves of sizes = 12.5mm, 10mm, and 2.36mm

Fig. apparatus for crushing

Procedure to determine Aggregate Crushing Value
i) Take the aggregates and sieve, pass the aggregates through 12.5mm. the aggregates
which passes and get retained on 10mm Sieve are oven-dried at a temperature of 100 -
110oC for 3 to 4hrs.
ii) Fill the cylinder in 3 layers, and tamp each layer with 25 strokes with a tamping rod.
iii) The aggregates are then weighed (say A).
iv) The surface of the aggregates is then levelled and the plunger is inserted into the
cylinder. The entire apparatus is then placed in the compression testing machine, load is
applied uniformly. After doing this, the load is released.
v) The sample is then sieved through a 2.36mm Sieve, and the aggregates which pass are
weighed (say B).
Formula:
Aggregate crushing value = (B/A) x 100%.

xi
 2. AGGREGATE ABRASION VALUE
To determine the abrasion value of coarse aggregates abrasion test is performed.
The apparatus required are: Los Angles abrasion testing machine, IS Sieve of size
1.7mm, Abrasive charge 12 nos. cast iron or steel spheres approximately 48mm
dia.(weighing between 390 and 445g).

Procedure to determine Aggregate Abrasion Value

The sample aggregates and the abrasive charge are placed into the Los Angles
abrasion testing machine and is rotated at a speed of 20 - 33 revolutions/minute for
1000 revolutions. When the test gets completed, the material is discharged and sieved
through 1.70mm Sieve.

Fig. apparatus for abrasion

The material which is coarser than 1.70mm Sieve is washed, and dried in an
oven at a temperature of 100 to 110oC and is weighed (say B).
ii) The loss of material between between weight A and weight B of the test
sample is expressed as %age of the original weight of the sample.
Formula:
Aggregate abrasion value = (A-B)/B x 100%.

3. AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE

xii
To determine the impact value of coarse aggregates impact test is performed.
The apparatus required are: Impact testing machine, Sieves of sizes 12.5mm, 10mm and
2.36mm, cylindrical metal of 75mm dia. and 50mm depth, tamping rod of diameter
10mm and 230mm length and is rounded at one end.

Fig. apparatus for impact value

Procedure:
i) initially the cup of testing machine is fixed firmly and entire test sample is placed in it.
The aggregates are compacted with tamping rod by 25 strokes.
ii)the hammer which is allowed to fall on the aggregates free fall is raised 380mm from
the aggregates upper surface. The aggregates are given 15 blows each delivered not less
than one second. The aggregates are weighed ( say A).

Result report:
the aggregates are removed and are sieved through 2.36mm sieve. The part of sample
which passes is weighed and is expressed as B. the part which gets retained on sieve is
also weighed say C.
Formula used:
Aggregate impact value = (B/A) x 100%

4. water absorption test:

to determine how much water is absorbed by coarse aggregates, water absorption test is
performed.
The apparatus required are: perforated wire basket, water container, dry and soft cloth.
Procedure:

xiii
i) Take the sample and wash it thoroughly so that fine particles get removed by washing.
Immerse the whole in distilled water at 22 and 32oC temperature.
ii) the air which is entrapped is removed by dropping and lifting the basket 25 times in
just 25 seconds. The whole is immersed in water for 24hrs.

iii) the aggregates are removed and are dried to to direct sunlight till they get dried. These
are then weighed (say A).

iv) the aggregates are then placed in oven for 24hrs at a temperature of 100-110 oC. the
whole is taken out from oven and is weighed (say B).

Formula:
Water absorption = [(A-B)/B] * 100%

5. Sieve analysis
To determine size of the coarse and fine aggregates, sieve analysis is being done. This is
done.
Apparatus required: different sieves as per IS standard.
Procedure:
i) Take the sampleand dry it at a temperature of 110 + 5oC. weigh the sample
ii) sieve the sample through the sieves.
iii) the specimen which got retained on sieves are weighed.
iv) Cumulative weight is taken.
v) the Fineness modulus is calculated by ratio of cumulative weight to 100.

6. Specific gravity:
Specific gravity and water absorption are important properties which are required for the
design of concrete. The specific gravity is defined as the ratio of mass of the solid to the
equal volume of water at a specified temperature. As the aggregates contain voids which
are water permeable, therefore two measures of specific gravity are used:

1. Apparent specific gravity.

2. Bulk specific gravity.
Apparent Specific Gravity is defined as mass of aggregates to the volume of aggregates
excluding water permeable voids. It is denoted by Gapp.
Bulk Specific Gravity is calculated on the volume of aggregates including water
permeable voids. It is denoted by Gbulk.

B. Cement tests:
1. FINENESS

xiv
 To determine that portion of cement whose grain size is larger than size of mesh,
fineness test is performed.
The apparatus used are 90m IS Sieve, Balance, nylon brush with 25 to 40mm,
bristle for sieve cleaning.
The figure for sieve is given below and isnt actual 90m sieve.

Fig. seives
Procedure to determine fineness of cement
i) take 10g of cement and weigh it properly and place it on the sieve.
ii) now agitate the sieve until no more material passes through it.
iii) Weigh the residue and express as percentage R1.
iv) brush the base of the sieve gently with bristle.
v) Repeat the whole procedure to obtain R2.
Now Calculate mean of R1 andR2 and express it as R. this gives the fineness of cement.
2. SOUNDNESS
to determine the Soundness of cement, Le-Chatelier test is performed.
The apparatus for conducting the Le-Chatelier test are Balance, Water bath.

Fig. soundness intrument

xv
Procedure for soundness of cement
i) take a glass sheet and place a mould on it, fill the mould with cement paste having
standard consistency.
ii) Take another glass sheet and cover the mould with a small weight on it and submerge
the entire in water at a temperature of 27oC for 24hrs.
iii) The indicator points will get separated, the same distance is measured (say d1).
iv) Again submerge the mould in water at the same temperature. Within 25 to 30 minutes
attain boiling point of water and keep it as for 3hrs.
v) Now take the mould from water, and allow it to cool and measure the distance between
indicator points (say d2 ).
vi) The expansion of cement is then expressed as (d2 d1).

3. CONSISTENCY
to produce a cement paste of standard consistency and the water required for
making the same, consistency test is being done. Basically it is the phenomenon at
which vicat plunger penetrates to a point 5-7mm from bottom of Vicat mould.
Apparatus required Vicat apparatus, Balance, Gauging trowel

Fig. vicat apparatus

Procedure to determine consistency of cement

i) take 400g of cement, mix it with water that is weighed. The gauge time should be
between 3 to 5 minutes.
ii) Fill the mould with cement paste and level it with trowel.

xvi
iii) Allow the plunger to touch the cement surface.
iv) Allow the plunger to sink into the cement paste.
v) Take the reading and repeat the same to get average.

4. INITIAL AND FINAL SETTING TIME

to find out the initial and final setting time of cement, Vicat apparatus, Balance,
Gauging trowel are needed.
Procedure to determine initial and final setting time of cement
i) cement paste having standard consistency is prepared.
ii) Now at the time of pouring of water, start a stop watch.
iii) Now fill the mould completely with cement paste and smooth off the level. this way a
test block gets prepared.
5. Specific gravity
It is defined as the ratio of mass of solid to the equal volume of water at a specified
temperature. It is denoted by G. its units are kg/m3.

I.e. G= mass of solid/equal volume of water.

xvii
 04. OBSERVATION/FINDINGS

Tabulation and graphical analysis:

For cement:
The BIS values of cement properties are:

Serial no. Test name Test value IS requirement

1. Fineness 4.52 !>10%

2. Soundness 5.3 <10%

3. Specific gravity 2.99 3.15

4. Initial setting time 40 minutes !<30 minutes

Final setting time 6 hours !>600 minutes

5. Consistency 33% -

Table 2. BIS values for aggregates.

Serial no. Test name Test value
Fine aggregates Coarse
aggregates
1. Crushing test 17.19%
2. Impact test - 20.24%
3. Water absorption 1.29% 1.895%
4. Specific gravity 2.73 2.87
5. Bulk density 1.657gm/cc 1.420gm/cc (for 10mm
aggregates).
1.455gm/cc (20mm
aggregates).

6. Flakiness index 9.41%

7. Elongation index 12.80%

xviii
 05. RESULTS / CONCLUSION

On comparison it will be seen that whether the strength of retrofitted columns are equal
or approachable or greater than columns with normal reinforcement. The slenderness
ratio of columns is checked. If the usage of rubber rebars are feasible then it can be
applied in structures. As rubber rebars are economical and light in weight, it can be easily
applied in structural buildings.

xix
xx