Strengthening with fibre reinforced polymer. Fundamentals of computer-based design

There exist no reasonable design tables or diagrams for strengthening of reinforced or post-tensioned concrete structures with fibre reinforced polymers FRR For some applications structural engineers may find assistance for the design in literature, but the presented solutions are normally restricted to certain problems or structures and can not be generalized. Only iterative solutions allow a realistic design of strengthening measures with FRP considering the whole range of structures, various arrangements of reinforcement, different material properties, the superposition of different load cases as well as the determination of the confined concrete compressive strength. This paper presents the fundamentals of computer-based design for the strengthening of bending structures or columns with FRR. The design and safety aspects will be discussed.