A new method for improving ductility in existing RC ordinary moment resisting frames using FRPs

In the recent years, attempts have been made to upgrade existing RC Ordinary Moment Resisting Frames (OMRF) into Ductile Moment Resisting Frame (DMRF). In practice, this can be implemented by controlling the plastic hinges locations. This paper presents the results of an experimental study performed to evaluate the ability of CFRP sheets in preventing the plastic hinge formation at the face of the column in exterior RC joints. Five plain/CFRP-retrofitted scaled-down joints of a typical OMRF were tested under monotonic/cyclic loads to failure. The results show that carbon fibre can effectively relocate the plastic hinge away from the column face.