Determining the Optimal FRP Mesh–ECC Retrofit Scheme for Corroded RC Structures: A Novel Multi-Dimensional Assessment Framework

Reinforcement corrosion significantly reduces the load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, thereby increasing their seismic failure risk. To enhance the seismic performance of in-service RC structures, this study employs an FRP mesh–engineered cementitious composite (ECC) retrofitting method and develops a multi-objective optimization decision-making framework. A finite element model incorporating reinforcing steel corrosion, concrete deterioration, and bond–slip effects is first established and validated against experimental results. Based on this model, a six-story RC frame is selected as a case study, and eight alternative FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting schemes are designed. Five core indicators are quantified, namely annual collapse probability, expected annual loss, capital expenditure, carbon emissions, and downtime. The results indicate that FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting can significantly improve the seismic performance of corroded RC structures. The overall uniform retrofitting scheme (SCS-2) achieves the most significant improvements in seismic safety and economic performance, but they are associated with highest capital expenditure and carbon emission. Story-differentiated schemes (SCS-3 to SCS-6) provide a trade-off between performance enhancement and cost–emission control. While partial component-focused schemes (SCS-7 and SCS-8) cut cost and carbon but do not lower seismic downtime. Furthermore, the improved fuzzy-TOPSIS method with interval weights and Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the balanced scheme SCS-1 delivers the most robust performance across five dimensions, with a best probability close to 90%. The results confirm the potential of FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting at both component and structural levels and provide a practical reference for selecting seismic retrofitting strategies for existing RC structures.

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Publication Details

Journal
Buildings
Published
2025-10-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15213823
Primary Topic
Concrete Corrosion and Durability
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Determining the Optimal FRP Mesh–ECC Retrofit Scheme for Corroded RC Structures: A Novel Multi-Dimensional Assessment Framework

Kuangyu Dai, Yiheng Li, Zhenyun Yu, Hao Huo et al.
Buildings
Concrete Corrosion and Durability
article

Determining the Optimal FRP Mesh–ECC Retrofit Scheme for Corroded RC Structures: A Novel Multi-Dimensional Assessment Framework

Kuangyu Dai, Yiheng Li, Zhenyun Yu, Hao Huo, Pei Wang, Yiwen Qu, Bo Zhang, Yang Wang, Dongbo Wan
article en

Abstract

Reinforcement corrosion significantly reduces the load-bearing capacity, ductility, and energy dissipation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, thereby increasing their seismic failure risk. To enhance the seismic performance of in-service RC structures, this study employs an FRP mesh–engineered cementitious composite (ECC) retrofitting method and develops a multi-objective optimization decision-making framework. A finite element model incorporating reinforcing steel corrosion, concrete deterioration, and bond–slip effects is first established and validated against experimental results. Based on this model, a six-story RC frame is selected as a case study, and eight alternative FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting schemes are designed. Five core indicators are quantified, namely annual collapse probability, expected annual loss, capital expenditure, carbon emissions, and downtime. The results indicate that FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting can significantly improve the seismic performance of corroded RC structures. The overall uniform retrofitting scheme (SCS-2) achieves the most significant improvements in seismic safety and economic performance, but they are associated with highest capital expenditure and carbon emission. Story-differentiated schemes (SCS-3 to SCS-6) provide a trade-off between performance enhancement and cost–emission control. While partial component-focused schemes (SCS-7 and SCS-8) cut cost and carbon but do not lower seismic downtime. Furthermore, the improved fuzzy-TOPSIS method with interval weights and Monte Carlo simulation indicates that the balanced scheme SCS-1 delivers the most robust performance across five dimensions, with a best probability close to 90%. The results confirm the potential of FRP mesh–ECC retrofitting at both component and structural levels and provide a practical reference for selecting seismic retrofitting strategies for existing RC structures.

BuildingsVol. 15(21)
Central South University (CN), Zhengzhou University (CN), China State Construction Engineering (China) (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
Openalex Percentile: Top 68%
Concrete Corrosion and Durability
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