A Study on Strengthening RC Structural Elements with Fibers Based Polymers

Abstract

The structural damage and destruction after the devastating earthquakes bring the importance of the seismic performance of existing structures and the precautions to be taken regarding such structures to the agenda. The different levels of damage and destruction that occurred in reinforced-concrete (RC) structures after the earthquakes reveal that the earthquake performances of these structures are not at a sufficient level. Different reinforcement techniques and materials can be used to increase the seismic performance of existing structures compared to the predicted seismic performance. Insufficient transverse reinforcement used to resist the shear force in RC columns and beams and low concrete strength play a critical role in the damage in these elements. New technologies and advanced materials can be used to increase the earthquake performances of such structural elements. Within the scope of this study, firstly, element-based shear force capacities were obtained for an RC beam and column using steel and aramid fiber materials. In addition, in a selected sample RC structure, steel and aramid fiber was applied only to the columns and the results were compared. The results obtained reveal that these fibers significantly increase the shear force capacity.

Keywords

• Aramid
• reinforced-cocnrete
• shear capacity
• steel
• strengthening

Supporting Institution

European Union under the program Erasmus+ KA220-HED-Cooperation

Ethical Statement

The study is complied with research and publication ethics.

Thanks

The results presented in this scientific paper have been partially obtained through the research activities within the project 2023-1-HR01-KA220HED-000165929 Intelligent Methods for Structures, Elements, and Materials (https://im4stem.eu/en/home/ accessed on June 4, 2024) co-funded by the European Union under the program Erasmus+ KA220-HED-Cooperation partnerships in higher education.

References

1. J. Yuzbasi, "Controlled demolition: novel monitoring and experimental validation of blast-induced full-scale existing high-rise building implosion using numerical finite element simulations," Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, vol.15, pp.891-914, 2025.
2. H. Bilgin, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, E. Işık, H.B. Ozmen, and Harirchian, "A comparative study on the seismic provisions of different codes for RC buildings," Structural Engineering and Mechanics, An Int'l Journal, vol. 83, no.2, pp.195-206, 2022.
3. E. Işık, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, D. Radu, and Bulajić, "Study on effectiveness of regional risk prioritization in reinforced concrete structures after earthquakes, " Applied Sciences, vol.14, no.16, pp.6992, 2024.
4. E. Vuran, C. Serhatoğlu, M.Ö. Timurağaoğlu, E. Smyrou, İ.E. Bal, and Livaoğlu, R, "Damage observations of RC buildings from 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence and discussion on the seismic code regulations," Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, vol.23, pp.1153-1182, 2025.
5. M.F. Işık, E. Işık, E., and M.A. Bülbül, "Application of iOS/Android based assessment and monitoring system for building inventory under seismic impact,"  Gradjevinar, vol.70, no.12, pp.1043-1056, 2018.
6. Ö.F. Nemutlu, and B. Balun, "Evaluation of November 23, 2022, Duzce Earthquake data with ground motion prediction equations," Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.12, no.4, pp.1248-1260, 2023.
7. O. Onat, B. Yön, A. Uslu, M.E. Öncü, S. Varolgüneş, İ.B. Karaşin, and M.Gör, "Seismic resistance and performance evaluation of masonry dwellings after the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence in Türkiye," Journal of Earthquake and Tsunami, vol.18, no. 04, pp.2450013, 2024.
8. Ö.F. Nemutlu, A. Sarı, and B. Balun, "06 Şubat 2023 Kahramanmaraş depremlerinde (Mw 7.7-Mw 7.6) meydana gelen gerçek can kayıpları ve yapısal hasar değerlerinin tahmin edilen değerler ile karşılaştırılması," Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Fen ve Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.23, no.5, pp.1222-1234, 2023.

9. E.Işık, D. Radu, E. Harirchian, F. Avcil, A. Arkan, A. Büyüksaraç, and M. Hadzima-Nyarko, "Failures in reinforced-concrete columns and proposals for reinforcement solutions: ınsights from the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes," Buildings, vol.15, no.9, pp.1535, 2025.
10. B. Balun, "Developing a regression model for predicting the seismic input energy of rc buildings using 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake," Türk Doğa ve Fen Dergisi, vol.13, no.1, pp.142-151, 2024.
11. Ö.F. Nemutlu, and Sarı, "Seismic performance of the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: ground motion prediction models and the role of vertical components, " Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.14, no.1, pp.610-632, 2025.
12. B. Balun, "Assessment of seismic parameters for 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes," Structural Engineering and Mechanics, vol.88, no.2, pp.117-128, 2023.
13. İ.B. Karasin, "Analytic investigation of hooked stirrups on seismic behavior of reinforced concrete 3D frame buildings, " Applied Sciences, vol.13, no.20, pp.11590, 2023.
14. Ö.F. Nemutlu, A. Sari, and B. Balun, "A novel approach to seismic vulnerability assessment of existing residential reinforced concrete buildings stock: a case study for Bingöl, Turkey," Iranian Journal of Science and Technology, Transactions of Civil Engineering, vol.47, no.6, pp.3609-3625, 2023.
15. S. Varolgüneş, "A bibliometric analysis of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: trends, gaps, and policy implications, " Natural Hazards, pp.1-25, 2025.
16. M.A. Yıldız, F. Kıpçak, and B. Erdil, "Evaluation of earthquake performance of reinforced concrete buildings with fuzzy logic method," Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.13, no.3, pp.601-617, 2024.
17. C. Öser, S. Sarğin, A.K. Yildirim, G. Korkmaz, E. Altinok, amd M.K. Kelesoglu, "Geotechnical aspects and site investigations on Kahramanmaras earthquakes, February 06, 2023," Natural Hazards, vol.121, pp. 5637-5668, 2025.
18. M.F. Işık, E. Işık, and E. Harichian, "Application of IOS/Android rapid evaluation of post-earthquake damages in masonry buildings, " Gazi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.7, no.1, pp.36-50, 2021.
19. E. Işık, F. Avcil, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, R. İzol, A. Büyüksaraç, E. Arkan, D. Radu, and Z. Özcan, "Seismic performance and failure mechanisms of reinforced concrete structures subject to the earthquakes in Türkiye, " Sustainability, vol.16, no.15, pp.6473, 2024.
20. E. Işık, F. Avcil, R. İzol, A. Büyüksaraç, H. Bilgin, E. Harirchian, and E. Arkan, "Field reconnaissance and earthquake vulnerability of the rc buildings in Adıyaman during 2023 Türkiye earthquakes," Applied Sciences, vol.14, no.7, pp.2860, 2024.
21. A.C. Altunişik, M.E. Arslan, V. Kahya, B. Aslan, T. Sezdirmez, G. Dok,... and M. Nas, "Field observations and damage evaluation in reinforced concrete buildings after the February 6th, 2023, Kahramanmaraş–Türkiye earthquakes," Journal of Earthquake and Tsunami, vol.17, no.06, pp.2350024, 2023.
22. F. Aras, "A failure mechanism seen after the 6th February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence, buckling of compression reinforcement in RC beams," Journal of Earthquake and Tsunami, vol.9, no.3, pp.2450038, 2025.
23. M.H. Arslan, Y. Dere, A.S. Ecemiş, G. Doğan, M. Özturk, and S.Z. Korkmaz, "Code-based damage assessment of existing precast industrial buildings following the February 6th, 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes (Pazarcık Mw 7.7 and Elbistan Mw7. 6)," Journal of Building Engineering, vol.86, no.108811, 2024.
24. C.Aksoylu, Y.O. Özkılıç, Ş. Yazman, L. Gemi, and M.H. Arslan, "Experimental and numerical investigation of load bearing capacity of thinned end precast purlin beams and solution proposals," Teknik Dergi, vol.32, no.3, pp.10823-10858, 2021.
25. C.Aksoylu, Y.O. Özkılıç, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, E. Işık, and M.H. Arslan, "Investigation on improvement in shear performance of reinforced-concrete beams produced with recycled steel wires from waste tires," Sustainability, vol.14, no.20, pp.13360, 2022.
26. İ. Kalkan, Y.O. Ozkilic, C. Aksoylu, M.A.O. Mydin, C.H. Martins, I.Y. Hakeem,., ... and M.H. Arslan, "Use of waste steel fibers from CNC scraps in shear-deficient reinforced concrete beams," Steel and Composite Structures, vol.49, no.(2), pp.245-255, 2023.
27. E. Madenci, Y.O. Özkılıç, and L. Gemi, "Experimental and theoretical investigation on flexure performance of pultruded GFRP composite beams with damage analyses," Composite Structures, vol.242, pp.112162, 2020.
28. Z. Özcan, and K. Yöntem, "Betonarme kirişlerin kompozit malzemeler ile güçlendirilmesi", Deprem Sempozyumu, Kocaeli, 2025.
29. A. Yelgin, and E. Işık, "Structural behavior of composite beams in reinforced with negative moment zone is carbonized staff," Sakarya University Journal of Science, vol.3, no.2, pp.13-20, 1999.
30. K.V. Çelik, and H. Karaşin, "Karbon elyaf ile betonun güçlendirilmesi," Dicle Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi Mühendislik Dergisi, vol.5, no.1, pp.1-11, 2014.
31. F. Colomb, H. Tobbi, E. Ferrier, and P. Hamelin, "Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete short columns by CFRP materials, "Composite Structures, vol.82, no.4, pp.475-487, 2008.
32. N.M. Saeed, B.H. Ali, M. Bigonah, A.S. Jamal, and H.Z. Hassan, "Impact of structure height on retrofitted RC structures for progressive collapse prevention," Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation, vol.10, no.1, pp.1-32, 2025.
33. T.P.Sathishkumar, S. Satheeshkumar, J. Naveen, "Glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites–a review," Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, vol.33, no.13, pp.1258-1275, 2014.
34. B. Liu, L. Zhang, A. Liu, and C.G. Soares, "Integrated design method of marine C/GFRP hat-stiffened panels towards ultimate strength optimisation," Ocean Engineering, vol.317, pp.120052, 2025.
35. P. Dharmavarapu, and S.R. MBS, "Aramid fibre as potential reinforcement for polymer matrix composites: a review," Emergent Materials, vol.5, no.5, pp.1561-1578, 2022.
36. B. Zhang, L. Jia, M. Tian, N. Ning, L. Zhang, and W. Wang, "Surface and interface modification of aramid fiber and its reinforcement for polymer composites: A review," European Polymer Journal, vol.147, pp.110352, 2021.
37. Z.Y. Shi, P. Cui, and X. Li, "A review on research progress of machining technologies of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and aramid fiber-reinforced polymer," Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, vol.233, no.(13), pp.4508-4520, 2019.
38. V. Fegade, M. Ramachandran, S. Madhu, C. Vimala, R.K. Malar, and M. Rajeshwari, "A review on basalt fibre reinforced polymeric composite materials" In AIP Conference Proceedings, vol.2393, no:1, pp.020172, 2022.
39. C. Li, D. Gao, Y. Wang, and J. Tang, "Effect of high temperature on the bond performance between basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars and concrete," Construction and Building Materials, vol.141, pp.44-51, 2017.
40. M. Inman, E.R. Thorhallsson, and K. Azrague, "A mechanical and environmental assessment and comparison of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebar and steel rebar in concrete beams, " Energy procedia, vol.111, pp.31-40, 2017.
41. E. Işık, M. Hadzima-Nyarko, B.A. Tayeh, Z.R. Harrat, F. Avcil, E. Arkan, "Comparison of reinforcement methods with advanced materials for r/c columns," Advanced Engineering Letters, vol.4, no.1, pp.1-13, 2025.
42. H.H. Lee, "Shear strength and behavior of steel fiber reinforced concrete columns under seismic loading," Engineering Structures, vol.29, no.7, pp.1253-1262, 2007.
43. W. Perceka, and W.C. Liao, "Experimental study of shear behavior of high strength steel fiber reinforced concrete columns, " Engineering Structures, vol.240, pp.112329, 2021.
44. S. Xu, C. Wu, Z. Liu, K. Han, Y. Su, J., Zhao, and J. Li, "Experimental investigation of seismic behavior of ultra-high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete columns," Engineering Structures, vol.152, pp.129-148, 2017.
45. X. You, P. Wang, Q. Shi, Q. Wang, and C. Rong, "Shear mechanism and bearing capacity calculation of steel fiber reinforced concrete beam-column joints," Structures, vol.70, pp.107752, 2024.
46. M. Ertekin, "Aramid fibers," In Fiber Technology for Fiber-reinforced Composites, pp.153-167, 2017.
47. K.K. Chang, "Aramid fibers," Composites, pp.41-45, 2001.
48. L. Liu, Y.D. Huang, Z.Q. Zhang, Z.X. Jiang, and L.N. Wu, "Ultrasonic treatment of aramid fiber surface and its effect on the interface of aramid/epoxy composites," Applied Surface Science, vol.254, no.9, pp.2594-2599, 2008.
49. P.M. Gore, and B. Kandasubramanian, "Functionalized aramid fibers and composites for protective applications: a review," Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, vol.57, no.49, pp.16537-16563, 2018.
50. J. Chen, Y. Zhu, Q. Ni, Y. Fu, and X. Fu, "Surface modification and characterization of aramid fibers with hybrid coating," Applied Surface Science, vol.321, pp.103-108, 2014.
51. R.J. Morgan, and R.E. Allred, "Aramid fiber reinforcements," Reference Book for Composites Technology, vol.1, pp.143-166, 1989.
52. E.F. Melchiors, F.L. Bolina, E. Pachla, J. Webber, P.R. de Matos, and E.D. Rodríguez, "Experimental parametric analysis and numerical simulation of UHPC beams with microfibers," Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Structures and Buildings, pp.1-48, 2024.
53. R. Rebouh, A. Benzaamia, and M. Ghrici, "MLP neural networks for compressive strength assessment of AFRP-confined concrete," South Florida Journal of Development, vol.5, no.12, pp.e4765-e4765, 2024.
54. H. Yin, H. "Ultimate strain estimation of concrete wrapped by aramid fiber employing coati optimization-based systems," Multiscale and Multidisciplinary Modeling, Experiments and Design, vol.8, no.1, pp.1-17, 2025.
55. P. Gnanamoorthy, B. Venkatesh, D. Rajesh, V. Rao, R. Subbiah, and A. Dhawan, "Effect of Aramid fiber reinforced polymer and carbon fiber reinforced polymer wrappings on the mechanical properties of m30 concrete," In E3S Web of Conferences, vol.588, pp.03023, 2024.
56. F. Cakir, M.R. Aydin, V. Acar, and P. Yildirim, "Impact of hybrid and non-hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymers on mechanical performance of concrete, " Construction and Building Materials, vol.451, pp.138806, 2024.
57. J. Yuzbasi, "Post-earthquake damage assessment: field observations and recent developments with recommendations from the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye on February 6th, 2023 (Pazarcık M7. 8 and Elbistan M7. 6)," Journal of Earthquake Engineering, pp.1-26, 2024.
58. F. Akar, E. Işık, F. Avcil, A. Büyüksaraç, E. Arkan, and R. İzol, "Geotechnical and structural damages caused by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Gölbaşı (Adıyaman)," Applied Sciences, vol.14, no.5, pp.2165, 2024.
59. İ. Tozlu, Ş. Gürsoy, and E. Eren, "Behavior of RC buildings with column discontinuity under the influence of vertical acceleration and near-fault effects," Earthquakes and Structures, vol. 28, no.3, pp.237-252, 2025.
60. E. Işık, F. Avcil, A. Büyüksaraç, and E. Arkan, "Comparative Analysis of target displacements in rc buildings for 2023 Türkiye earthquakes," Applied Sciences, vol.15, no.7, pp.4014, 2025.
61. A. Demir, and H. Sezen, "Seismic performance of industrial buildings during the 2023 Kahramanmaras, Turkey Earthquakes," Journal of Earthquake Engineering, pp.1-15, 2024.
62. S. Avğın, M.M. Köse, and A. Özbek, "Damage assessment of structural and geotechnical damages in Kahramanmaraş during the February 6, 2023 earthquakes," Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal, vol.57, pp.101811, 2024.
63. B. Yön, İ.Ö. Dedeoğlu, M. Yetkin, H. Erkek, and Y. Calayır, "Evaluation of the seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings in the light of lessons learned from the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye earthquake sequences," Natural Hazards, vol.121, pp.873-909, 2025.
64. M. Yetkin, İ.Ö. Dedeoğlu, and T. Gülen, "February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş twin earthquakes: Evaluation of ground motions and seismic performance of buildings for Elazığ, southeast of Türkiye," Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, vol.181, pp.108678, 2024.
65. İ.B. Karasin, "Comparative analysis of the 2023 Pazarcık and Elbistan earthquakes in Diyarbakır," Buildings, vol.13, no.10, 2474, 2023.
66. M. Doğruyol, "Characterisation of acrylic copolymer treated concretes and concretes of reinforced concrete buildings collapsed in the 6 February 2023 Mw= 7.8 Kahramanmaraş (Türkiye) earthquake," Engineering Failure Analysis, vol.161, pp.108249, 2024.
67. Ö. Yıldız, and C. Kına, "Geotechnical and structural investigations in Malatya province after Kahramanmaraş Earthquake on February 6, 2023," Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol.12, no.3, pp.686-703, 2023.
68. Seismosoft. FRP Designer v2025, Release-1, Built-1. Available online: http://www.seismosoft.com (accessed on 10 January 2025).
69. Seismosoft. SeismoStruct 2025—A Computer Program for Static and Dynamic Nonlinear Analysis of Framed Structures. 2025. Available online: http://www.seismosoft.com (accessed on 10 January 2025).
70. EN 1998-3; Eurocode-8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance-Part 3: Assessment and Retrofitting of Buildings. European Committee for Standardization: Bruxelles, Belgium, 2005.