Cyclic Loading Test of RC Bridge Pier Model Using Continuous Fiber Sheet with Large Fracturing Strain

This paper presents the experimental findings of cyclic loading test of half model reinforced concrete bridge pier which were retrofitted by external wrapping using continuous fiber sheet with large fracturing strain, such as aramid (Technora), PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate), and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) materials. There are three half model of RC pier specimens, which will be retrofitted with various high fracturing strain fiber materials by external wrapping, were tested under static axial (1MPa) and reversed horizontal load. The key mechanical properties of these materials are low tensile modulus of elasticity (E) and high fracturing strain at ultimate load. From the experiment, it can be concluded that all of the retrofitted specimens show ductile behavior and have more than 10 δy as ultimate deformation. There is breakage of fiber at specimen retrofitted with aramid fiber at ultimate deformation, that is 12 δy. On the other hand, there is a stable shear resisting mechanism until final stage of loading for specimen retrofitted with PEN and PET fibers. Reasons are that there is no fracturing and no yielding respectively so that there is excellent confinement at plastic hinge region. The failure mechanism is for all of retrofitted specimens reach flexural capacity then followed by buckling of flexural reinforcement. Comparing with un-retrofitted specimen, there is less likely increasing of ultimate load while there is a significant ductility enhancement for retrofitted specimen.