This study presents experimental results from nine large-scale circular concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal and transverse glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. These specimens were tested under lateral cyclic quasi-static loading while simultaneously subjected to constant axial load. Based on the measured hysteretic loops of moment vs. curvature and shear vs. tip deflection relationships, a series of parameters related to ductility and flexural strength are used to evaluate the seismic behavior of each column. The results showed that concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars have stable post-peak branches and can achieve very high levels of deformability. Longitudinal GFRP bars maintained their stiffness at high strains and transverse GFRP spirals provided increasing confinement for the entire duration of the test without any spiral damage. The tests showed that, as an innovative material with excellent corrosion resistance GFRP bars can be successfully used as internal reinforcement in ductile concrete columns.

This study presents experimental results from nine large-scale circular concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal and transverse glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. These specimens were tested under lateral cyclic quasi-static loading while simultaneously subjected to constant axial load. Based on the measured hysteretic loops of moment vs. curvature and shear vs. tip deflection relationships, a series of parameters related to ductility and flexural strength are used to evaluate the seismic behavior of each column. The results showed that concrete columns reinforced with GFRP bars have stable post-peak branches and can achieve very high levels of deformability. Longitudinal GFRP bars maintained their stiffness at high strains and transverse GFRP spirals provided increasing confinement for the entire duration of the test without any spiral damage. The tests showed that, as an innovative material with excellent corrosion resistance GFRP bars can be successfully used as internal reinforcement in ductile concrete columns.

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is used in reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure to avoid steel corrosion problems. The behaviour of GFRP reinforcement under seismic loading in RC frame structures has not been widely investigated. The behaviour of beam-column joints significantly influences the response of the Seismic Force Resisting Systems. Therefore, both the design and detailing of the beam-column joints are critical to secure a satisfactory seismic performance of these structures. However, the current Canadian FRP design codes (CSA 2012, CSA 2006) have no considerable seismic provisions, if any, due to lack of data and research in this area. Such lack of information does not allow for adequate designs and subsequently limits the implementation of FRP reinforcement as a non-corrodible and sustainable reinforcement in new construction. Therefore, it deemed necessary to track areas of ambiguity and lack of knowledge to provide design provisions and detailing guidelines. This study investigated the seismic behaviour of the GFRP-RC exterior beam-column joints. The study consisted of an experimental phase, in which ten full-scale T-shaped GFRP-RC specimens were constructed and tested to failure, and an analytical phase using finite element modelling (FEM). Specimens in the experimental phase were designed to investigate the anchorage detailing of beam longitudinal reinforcement inside the joint (using either bent bars or headed bars) and to evaluate the shear capacity of the joint. In the analytical phase, a commercial FEM software (ATENA-3D) was used to run a parametric study that investigated the influence of the presence of lateral beams, axial load on the column, applied shear stresses in the joint, and the concrete strength. Test results showed that the performance of the specimens reinforced with GFRP headed bars was comparable to their counterparts reinforced with bent bars up to 4.0% drift ratio. The difference in the reinforcement surface conditions had insignificant influence on the overall behaviour. Moreover, it was concluded that the shear capacity of GFRP-RC beam-column joints is 0.85 √f'c. Furthermore, an evaluation of the relevant seismic provisions in the CSA/S806-12 (CSA 2012) was carried out and some recommendations were proposed for consideration in the future updates of the CSA/S806-12.

Flat slab-column connections are common elements in reinforced concrete (RC) structures such as parking garages. In cold weather regions, these structures are exposed to de-icing salts and aggressive environments. Using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars instead of steel in such structures will overcome the corrosion problems associated with steel reinforcement. However, the available literature shows few studies to evaluate the behaviour of FRP-RC interior slab-column connections tested mainly under concentric loads, which seldom occurs in a real building. The main objectives of this research are to deal with this gap by investigating the behaviour of full-scale glass (G) FRP-RC interior slab-column connections subjected to eccentric load and to provide design recommendations for such type of connections. This study consisted of two phases, experimental and analytical. The experimental phase included the construction and testing of ten full-scale interior slab-column connections. The parameters investigated in the experimental phase were flexural reinforcement ratio, concrete compressive strength, type of the reinforcement, moment-to-shear ratio and the spacing between the shear stud reinforcement. Test results revealed that increasing the GFRP reinforcement ratio or the concrete strength increased the connection capacity. Moreover, compared to the control steel-RC specimen, the GFRP-RC connection with similar reinforcement rigidity showed comparable capacity and deflection at failure. Also, increasing the moment-to-shear ratio resulted in a reduction in the vertical load capacity, while using the shear stud reinforcement enhanced the strength up to 23%. In the analytical phase, a 3-D finite element model (FEM) was constructed using specialized software. The constructed FEM was able to predict the experimental results within a reasonable accuracy. The verified FEM was then used to conduct a parametric study to evaluate the effects of perimeter-to-depth ratio, column aspect ratio, slab thickness and a wide range of flexural reinforcement ratio. The numerical results showed that increasing the reinforcement ratio increased the connection capacity. In addition, increasing the perimeter-to-depth ratio and slab thickness reduced the punching shear stresses at failure, while, the effect of the column rectangularity diminished for a ratio greater than three. Moreover, the results showed prominent agreement with the experimental results from literature. / October 2015

The diploma thesis is devided into two levels. The Primary part of the thesis is the theoretical part, which is part of project „FV10588 – New generation of spatial prefab made from high-firm concrete with increased mechanical resistence and endurance“, realized in cooperation with Faculty of Civil Engineering at VUT university – Institute of concrete and masonry structures. The project deals with frame corners in the form of steel and composite reinforcement which will compared through experiments and various kind of calculate proceedings. The secondary part of thesis focuses on the static-design project of cooling reservoir, placed under the ground, while is stressed by temperature. The reinforcement of the construction is realized in two ways – steel and composite reinforcement with their effectivity compared.

No cenário da produção de edificações sustentáveis, a madeira laminada colada (MLC) ocupa lugar de destaque, sobretudo pela possibilidade de emprego de madeiras provenientes de florestas plantadas. Com o propósito de amenizar os problemas de durabilidade, quando exposta às intempéries, uma solução pressupõe a associação das vigas de MLC com um tabuleiro de concreto armado, sendo as partes ligadas por meio de conexões flexíveis. Essa técnica tem sido aplicada com sucesso, especialmente por conta do expressivo acréscimo de rigidez proporcionado pela composição. No entanto, em situações de elevados carregamentos ou de grandes vãos, a aplicação de reforços com fibras sintéticas, na face tracionada das vigas de MLC, aprimora ainda mais essa técnica, refletindo-se em significativos acréscimos nas forças de ruptura. Neste trabalho avaliou-se, de forma experimental e numérica, o comportamento estrutural de vigas mistas de MLC-concreto reforçadas com fibras de vidro. Numa primeira etapa foram estudados os elementos de ligação, optando-se pelos ganchos de aço com diâmetro de 8 mm pelo seu excepcional desempenho. Em seguida foram confeccionadas as vigas mistas, com e sem reforços com fibras de vidro, registrando-se acréscimo médio de 37% no módulo de ruptura (MOR) das vigas mistas em relação às vigas de MLC, ambas reforçadas com fibras. O emprego do reforço com fibras sintéticas se justifica pela diminuição na dispersão dos resultados. Por fim, um algoritmo foi proposto para o dimensionamento das vigas mistas de MLC-concreto reforçadas com fibras de vidro, o qual, associado às avaliações numéricas e experimentais, permite ampliar os horizontes de aplicação das estruturas de madeira. / Production of sustainable constructions forms a scenario where glulam beams occupy a prominence place, because of the possibility of utilization of wood that comes from planted forests. With the intention of diminution in the durability problems, when exposed to the weather effects, a solution presupposes the association of glulam beams with a reinforced concrete slab, in which the components are linked by means of flexible connections. This technique has been applied with results, especially due to the expressive increment in stiffness provided by the composition. However, in situations where high loads or great spans are found, the application of synthetic fibers reinforcements in the tension side of glulam beams improve this technique, being reflected in significant increments in the rupture forces. In this study it was evaluated, in experimental and numerical way, the structural behavior of glulam-concrete composite beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). In a first stage the connection elements were studied, being opted for steel hooks with 8 mm in diameter because of their exceptional behavior. Soon after, the composite beams were made with and without GFRP reinforcements and their tests showed average increment of 37% in modulus of rupture (MOR), when the composite beams were compared to glulam beams, both reinforced with GFRP. The decrease in the variability of results justifies the use of synthetic fibers reinforcements. Finally, an algorithm was proposed for the design of glulam-concrete composite beams reinforced with GFRP. So, when associated with the experimental and numerical evaluations that were carried out, this method allows enlarging the horizons of timber structures applications.

No cenário da produção de edificações sustentáveis, a madeira laminada colada (MLC) ocupa lugar de destaque, sobretudo pela possibilidade de emprego de madeiras provenientes de florestas plantadas. Com o propósito de amenizar os problemas de durabilidade, quando exposta às intempéries, uma solução pressupõe a associação das vigas de MLC com um tabuleiro de concreto armado, sendo as partes ligadas por meio de conexões flexíveis. Essa técnica tem sido aplicada com sucesso, especialmente por conta do expressivo acréscimo de rigidez proporcionado pela composição. No entanto, em situações de elevados carregamentos ou de grandes vãos, a aplicação de reforços com fibras sintéticas, na face tracionada das vigas de MLC, aprimora ainda mais essa técnica, refletindo-se em significativos acréscimos nas forças de ruptura. Neste trabalho avaliou-se, de forma experimental e numérica, o comportamento estrutural de vigas mistas de MLC-concreto reforçadas com fibras de vidro. Numa primeira etapa foram estudados os elementos de ligação, optando-se pelos ganchos de aço com diâmetro de 8 mm pelo seu excepcional desempenho. Em seguida foram confeccionadas as vigas mistas, com e sem reforços com fibras de vidro, registrando-se acréscimo médio de 37% no módulo de ruptura (MOR) das vigas mistas em relação às vigas de MLC, ambas reforçadas com fibras. O emprego do reforço com fibras sintéticas se justifica pela diminuição na dispersão dos resultados. Por fim, um algoritmo foi proposto para o dimensionamento das vigas mistas de MLC-concreto reforçadas com fibras de vidro, o qual, associado às avaliações numéricas e experimentais, permite ampliar os horizontes de aplicação das estruturas de madeira. / Production of sustainable constructions forms a scenario where glulam beams occupy a prominence place, because of the possibility of utilization of wood that comes from planted forests. With the intention of diminution in the durability problems, when exposed to the weather effects, a solution presupposes the association of glulam beams with a reinforced concrete slab, in which the components are linked by means of flexible connections. This technique has been applied with results, especially due to the expressive increment in stiffness provided by the composition. However, in situations where high loads or great spans are found, the application of synthetic fibers reinforcements in the tension side of glulam beams improve this technique, being reflected in significant increments in the rupture forces. In this study it was evaluated, in experimental and numerical way, the structural behavior of glulam-concrete composite beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). In a first stage the connection elements were studied, being opted for steel hooks with 8 mm in diameter because of their exceptional behavior. Soon after, the composite beams were made with and without GFRP reinforcements and their tests showed average increment of 37% in modulus of rupture (MOR), when the composite beams were compared to glulam beams, both reinforced with GFRP. The decrease in the variability of results justifies the use of synthetic fibers reinforcements. Finally, an algorithm was proposed for the design of glulam-concrete composite beams reinforced with GFRP. So, when associated with the experimental and numerical evaluations that were carried out, this method allows enlarging the horizons of timber structures applications.

The diploma thesis deals with processing of determining the shear strength of concrete structures reinforced with composite reinforcement, subjected to shear force, according to five different design approaches. The theoretical part of the thesis is closely related to the project FW01010520 - "Development of bent composite reinforcement for environmentally exposed concrete constructions", which is realized at the Institut of Concrete and Masonry Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. The project deals with the shear strength of concrete beams reinforced with steel and composite reinforcement in various combinations. Then the load-bearing results gained within the project are compared with the values obtained by calculations according to the solved design approaches and computer software Atena Science. The second part of the diploma thesis deals with the static design and assessment of the cell structure. The cell is designed as a room inside of the medical building, where is placed device of magnetic resonance which is the reason why the cell is reinforced with non-magnetic composite reinforcement.