ANALYTICAL STUDY ON DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES OF RETROFITTING OF RCC SHORT COLUMN

Abstract

The short columns made up of reinforced cement concrete (RCC) have a high possibility of experiencing brittle shear failure under seismic activity due to their low ductility, high stiffness, and reduced effective height. It becomes essential to retrofit these columns for improved performance and durability of the structures. This article presents an analytical review of the techniques used for retrofitting short columns made of reinforced cement concrete (RCC). Reinforced cement concrete (RCC) jacketing, conventional steel jacketing, carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) wrapping, and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) wrapping are the methods reviewed in this article. The review highlights the advantages, disadvantages, and structural behaviour of the short columns retrofitted using the aforementioned techniques based on the analytical and experimental findings. The article also provides a brief overview of the use of ETABS for seismic response analysis of the retrofitted columns. The analysis included determining the parameters such as story displacement, inter-story drift, base shear, stiffness, and load capacity. The paper highlights the benefits of each technique used in the retrofitting process. It was found that the use of steel jacketing combined with reinforced concrete provided an improved strength and stiffness of the short columns retrofitted. Similarly, fibre wrapping was found to have a better strength-to-weight ratio while providing improved corrosion resistance with minimal addition of thickness to the column members. The research recommendations include the need for additional research to identify more effective and economical solution to the problem.