Seismic Resilience of CRC- vs. RC-Reinforced Buildings: A Long-Term Evaluation

Corrosion-induced degradation in concrete and reinforced concrete (RC) structures, often initiated within the first few decades of their lifespan, significantly challenges seismic resistance. While existing research tools can assess performance, they fall short in predicting changes in seismic resistance resulting from alterations in the core properties of RC structures. To bridge this gap, we introduce a numerical seismic resistance prediction method (SRPM) specifically designed to predict changes in the seismic resistance of structures, including those reinforced with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), known for its non-corrosive properties. This study utilizes classical models to estimate corrosiveness and employs these models alongside section strength predictions to gauge durability. The nonlinear static pushover analysis (POA) model is implemented utilizing SAP-2000 and Response-2000 software. A comparative analysis between steel-reinforced and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer concrete (CRC) structures reveals distinct differences in their seismic resistance over time. Notably, steel-reinforced structures experience a significant decrease in their ability to dissipate seismic energy, losing 54.4% of their capacity after 170 years. In contrast, CFRP-reinforced structures exhibit a much slower degradation rate, with only 25.5% reduction over the same period. The discrepancy demonstrates CFRP’s superior durability and ability to maintain structural integrity in the face of seismic stresses.