A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS RETROFITTED USING FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES UNDER REVERSED CYCLIC LOADING

Abstract

Reinforced concrete beam-column joints are critical structural components that are particularly vulnerable to failure during seismic events, especially in structures designed prior to modern seismic codes. This systematic review synthesizes current research on the effectiveness of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in retrofitting deficient reinforced concrete beam-column joints subjected to reversed cyclic loading. Through comprehensive examination of 50+ peer-reviewed studies, the review evaluates various FRP types including carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRP), and basalt fiber reinforced polymers (BFRP) applied through different retrofitting techniques. Key findings indicate that combined CFRP systems achieve improvements up to 65% in peak load capacity and 55% enhancement in energy dissipation compared to unstrengthened specimens. Near-surface-mounted (NSM) CFRP ropes in X-shaped configurations demonstrate superior performance by reducing joint shear deformations by over 40% while maintaining over 90% peak strength at 4% drift ratios. External bonded reinforcement (EBR) techniques show consistent 35-45% improvements in shear strength. Numerical finite element modeling validates experimental findings with error margins below 5%, confirming the reliability of predictive approaches. Advanced retrofitting configurations incorporating hybrid fiber systems and engineered cementitious composites provide enhanced ductility and improved failure mechanisms, transforming brittle shear failures into ductile beam flexural failures. This review establishes that properly designed and installed FRP retrofitting protocols offer economically viable, lightweight, and rapidly deployable solutions for extending the service life and enhancing the post-earthquake functionality of critical structural connections in existing RC frame structures.