Numerical Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Frames Strengthened with Basalt Fiber- Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) Sheets under Seismic Loading

This study focuses on the numerical investigation of the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) frames retrofitted using Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) sheets. Seismic vulnerability of aging RC structures is a major global concern. BFRP composites offer superior strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance compared to traditional materials. A three-story, two-bay RC frame, designed according to ACI 318 standards, was modeled using the finite element method in ABAQUS software. The non-linear behavior of concrete and steel was incorporated using appropriate constitutive models. The seismic performance was evaluated by subjecting the numerical model to a suite of ground motion records scaled to match the target displacement. Key parameters investigated included the effect of BFRP wrapping thickness (0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm) on the energy dissipation capacity, drift ratio, and residual deformation. Results indicate that a 1.5 mm BFRP wrapping significantly enhances the frame's stiffness and ductility, reducing residual drift by up to 45% compared to the unretrofitted specimen. The findings validate the efficiency of BFRP retrofitting as a viable solution for seismic resilience in existing RC structures.

کلیدواژه ها:

Seismic performance ، Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) ، Finite Element Analysis ، Reinforced Concrete Frame ، Retrofitting ، ABAQUS.