Repair and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

It is crucial that we strengthen existing structures worldwide, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Recent earthquakes have highlighted the inadequacy of many existing structures, which have been damaged from previous powerful earthquakes and have been designed without code provisions or according to old code provisions that are now obsolete. Furthermore, the majority of existing buildings in low- and middle-income countries have been constructed using substandard materials and without application of code provisions; therefore, the structural vulnerability in these areas is highly concerning.Recently, there has been enormous development in novel construction materials that could be effectively utilised to protect existing structures and to enhance structural resilience. This Special Issue provides an overview of the latest scientific advancements in the development of novel technologies for durable earthquake-resistant Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures. These studies are focused on the development and application of innovative repair and strengthening techniques using novel composite and high-performance materials for the structural performance improvement and improved durability of existing RC structures.