This research is aimed at examining experimentally and analytically the behavior of reinforced concrete bridge pier caps strengthened with externally bonded reinforcement. In the experimental study, nine full-scale reinforced concrete bridge pier caps were built, externally strengthened with stainless steel reinforcement, and ten tested to failure. Load, deflection, and strain measurements were collected and two potential failure mechanisms were identified. In the analytical part of this work, mechanics-based equations were developed for calculating the shear strength of these types of structural elements when a diagonal shear crack is formed under loading. In addition, a combined strut-and-tie/truss model is proposed for determining the strength of reinforced concrete bridge caps with externally bonded reinforcement. Results from both experimental and analytical studies were compared and design recommendations are made for future adoption in bridge and building codes and specifications.

<p>Premature debonding of externally bonded FRP laminate from retrofitted reinforced concrete (RC) members can lead to inefficient use of FRP and can limit the level of strength increase that can be achieved. In this investigation, novel carbon FRP anchors were used in an attempt to delay the onset of premature debonding and to achieve superior strength. Nine double shear tests were performed on small scale concrete prisms to determine the most suitable epoxy for bonding the anchors to the laminate and the concrete. One type of epoxy increased the ultimate load of the prism retrofitted with two anchors at each end of the laminate 83.7% over the control specimens without anchors. The second phase of the investigation consisted of testing six large scale T-beams with a 4500 mm span, 400 mm height and 500 mm flange width under four point bending. Two beams were tested without FRP reinforcement as control beams, one beam was tested with FRP only epoxy bonded and the remaining three beams were tested with the FRP epoxy bonded and anchored. One of the beams with 30 anchors exhibited a 46% increase in the debonding load over the beam without anchors while the FRP laminate attained a maximum strain equal to 80% of its ultimate strain capacity, a 94% increase over the beam strengthened with only epoxy bonded FRP. The results demonstrate the anchoring system’s effectiveness and a feasible way to efficiently utilize the FRP laminate.</p>

El Museo de Sitio Bodega y Quadra es el primer museo de sitio del Centro Histórico que muestra detalles del estilo de vida en la Lima antigua. Declarada Patrimonio Cultural Inmueble Colonial por el INC, actual Ministerio de Cultura; es por ello que consideramos importante realizar la evaluación estructural del mismo ante un evento sísmico severo. Dicha evaluación se ha realizado mediante el programa “VisualFEA”, el cual se basa en la teoría de los elementos finitos, además se ha respetado la norma de diseño peruana y las consideraciones necesarias por ser, la estructura en estudio, un monumento histórico. La presente es una investigación aplicada, cuantitativa, explicativa y descriptiva; de diseño no experimental, transversal y prospectivo. Se concluye que la estructura no cumple los desplazamientos mínimos, según norma, al someterla al sismo severo; por lo que se procede a plantear la propuesta de reforzamiento estructural haciendo uso de las técnicas de reconstrucción local y refuerzo externo, evitando afectar la integridad y la autenticidad de los materiales por tratarse de un patrimonio cultural. The museum of site Bodega y Quadra is the first museum of the historic center which shows the old´s life style of lima citizen. It was named Cultural Heritage Colonial Property by the Ministerio de la Cultura; because of that reason we considered important to realize the structural assessment of this museum to prevent any problem in case of a severe earthquake. This thesis has been done using the “VisualFEA” software which is based on the theory of the finite elements, besides it has been considered the Peruvian regulation of design and the properly considerations since it is a Heritage Property. This is an applied, quantitative, descriptive and explanatory research; design not experimental, transversal and prospective. Concludes that the structure does not meet minimum displacement, as a rule, when subjected to sever earthquake; so it proceeds to raise the proposed structural reinforcement using the local reconstruction technique and external reinforcement, preventing affect the integrity and authenticity of the materials because it is a historical monument.

Design and manufacture of test elements for experimental laboratory testing of shear damage. Testing of selected mechanical characteristics of test elements. Experimental analysis of test elements in the lab, creating a mathematical model in ATENA software, static analysis. Evaluation of experimental analysis and comparison with the values of static analysis. Final overall evaluation.

Design and manufacture of test elements for experimental testing laboratory. Testing of selected mechanical characteristics of test elements. Experimental analysis of test elements in the lab, creating a mathematical model in ATENA software and static calculation. Evaluation of experimental analysis and comparison with the values of numerical analysis. Graphic comparing the results of a final overall evaluation.

Design and manufacture of reinforced concrete beams for laboratory testing. Implementation of selected tests of mechanical properties for selected elements. Experimental analysis of reinforced concrete beams in the laboratory. Creating a numerical model in the software ATENA 2D. Graphic processing of numerical and experimental analysis and comparison.