Strengthening methods for reinforced concrete infrastructure using FRP composites in Korea

The 1980s saw the start of rapid economic growth, industrialisation and urbanisation in Korea, resulting in massive construction efforts of both buildings and civil infrastructure projects. These structures are now close to 40 years old and much of the reinforced concrete (RC) used is their construction is obsolete. They thus now require significant structural reinforcement and rehabilitation to extend their service life in order to save natural resources and minimise negative environmental impacts. An attractive renovation method for the structural retrofitting and rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure is the use of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites due to their high strength, durability, constructability and light weight. Over the last three decades, numerous strengthening methods for deteriorated infrastructure using FRP composites have been developed and adopted. This paper discusses the current FRP composite strengthening methods and design recommendations for existing RC infrastructure projects in Korea and provides a summary of FRP composite strengthening methods that have been applied for deteriorated bridges and buildings, such as bonded FRP sheets, near-surface-mounted reinforcement and externally prestressed FRP strips and tendons.