FRP composites for seismic retrofitting of RC wall panels with cut-out openings

This paper presents a part of an experimental program, conceived in order to quantify the shear capacity decrease of the Precast Reinforced Concrete Wall Panels (PRCWP) affected by cut-out openings and to assess the shear capacity gain using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites, as retrofit solution. The experimental elements were representative of four situations: (1) as-built blank solid wall, (2) with cut-out door opening, (3) prior-to-damage strengthened by externally bonded CFRP composites and (4) post-damage strengthened by CFRP externally bonded reinforcement.