Analysis and Design of FRP Reinforced Concrete Buildings: The use of FRP bars as concrete reinforcement in buildings - earthquake behavior and seismic design

The use of FRP bars as concrete reinforcement is a relatively new research field, introducing challenges in analysis and design of buildings; particularly for seismically active regions. This study develops a much required easy-to-use dynamic analysis tool considering nonlinear material behavior of FRP reinforced concrete members under cyclic earthquake loading. Seismic forces and deformation demands are illustrated in case studies covering buildings with various dynamic characteristics and in different seismic zones. Comprehensive review of current codes, standards and design recommendations including S806 (2002) of Canadian Standards Association, ISIS (2001) of Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence on Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures, ACI 440 (2006) of American Concrete Institute and Japanese Design Guideline for FRP Reinforced Concrete (JSCE 1997) is presented and new design procedures and recommendations are developed.