Large-Scale Experimental Tests of Concrete Walls Reinforced with GFRP

Details

Supervisors

Saraiva Esteves Pacheco De Almeida, João ; Blandon Uribe, Carlos

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil des constructions, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enConcrete shear walls are essential for stability against lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes. As the construction industry seeks more durable and sustainable reinforcement alternatives, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) has gained interest because of its high corrosion resistance, particularly in coastal and high-moisture environments. However, its limited energy dissipation capacity and displacement capacity raise concerns about its seismic performance. Therefore, this thesis aims to evaluate the applicability of GFRP-reinforced shear walls under moderate seismic loading to determine their strength and displacement capacity. To achieve this, a large-scale experimental test was conducted on a non-rectangular (H-shaped) RC shear wall fully reinforced with GFRP bars, Developing from previous numerical design studies conducted in a previous thesis to real-world validation. The wall was subjected to simulated seis mic loading using quasi-static reversed cyclic lateral forces to assess its structural response. The results will provide insight into the hysteresis behavior, flexural capacity, and failure mechanisms of GFRP-reinforced walls, demonstrating that with proper design and detailing, these walls can perform effectively under seismic conditions. In addition to the experimental work, this thesis includes a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on a conceptual bridge pier, comparing the economic and environmental im pacts of GFRP versus traditional steel reinforcement across different seismic intensities, all of which are relatively low-moderate, simulating conditions typical of Belgium and the Wallonia region. The study places a particular focus on regions prone to high chloride exposure, such as coastal environ ments, tidal zones, and other corrosive settings, where the superior resistance of GFRP to corrosion offers significant long-term advantages.