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(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) IIT Hyderabad Researchers develop Innovative Hybrid FRP Strengthening Solution for Civil Infra like existing bridges and buildings

[MAY-2022]

IIT Hyderabad Researchers develop Innovative Hybrid FRP Strengthening Solution for Civil Infra like existing bridges and buildings

Context:

The civil infrastructure industry is under constant pressure to upgrade the existing structures, which have deteriorated because of ageing and corrosion issues. Recently survey shows that several bridges and several offshore structures are at the end of their life and require immediate structural strengthening.
Also, another survey indicates that a significant number of Indian railway bridges need immediate strengthening. It is worth mentioning that most of the structures requiring strengthening are under service, which complicates the strengthening process.
Also, the structures’ present status and capacity are unpredictable, complicating the optimistic strengthening design. In the recent past, the civil engineering industry has gradually accepted FRP (Fibre-reinforced Polymer) composites to repair and rehabilitate concrete structures.
FRP strengthening has numerous advantages over conventional strengthening methods such as concrete and steel jacketing due to its lesser weight to strength ratio, corrosive resistance, easy installation, and higher durability. However, there are no Indian Standards (IS) available for FRP strengthening.
The selection of the particular type of FRP material, its orientation, and place of application will be essential for effective utilisation and improving efficiency under different loading scenarios. Also, most of the previous research work has focused on circular and non-circular columns of small size.
The present research focuses on understanding the size, shape, and slenderness effect on the hybrid FRP strengthening. The outcomes of this study lead to the development of Indian Standards (IS) on guidelines for FRP strengthening.