Soft computing-based approach for capacity prediction of FRP-strengthened RC joints

Shear failure of RC beam-column joints is a brittle failure that occurs with no prior warning and induces tremendous damages due to collapse of column and joint before the connected beam. This paper is focused on one particular method of strengthening the RC joints, that is, the use of FRP composites as a connifing element. The results of previous studies have shown that strengthening the RC beam-column joints with FRP composites could improve their shear capacity. In this study, the data collected from the existing standards and studies regarding the FRP strengthened RC joints were used to develop an articifial neural network model to predict the shear strength contribution of FRP jacket. The developed model was then used to evaluate the role of different parameters in this contribution and, finally, derive a formula to contribute FRP jacket to the shear strength of the RC beam-column joints.