DEVELOPING A DECISION-MAKING MODEL FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS STRENGTHENING

Abstract

Steel tubes (ST) have long been used to strengthen RC columns, while the application of
CFRP for this purpose is a recent practice. Both techniques have many advantages and shortcomings. In this
paper, a multi-criteria decision-making model is introduced to quantify the selection of one of the two
techniques. Four criteria and 28 factors affecting them are identified to develop the model. The selected
criteria are cost, strengthening efficiency, durability, and project scope achievement. The model is fed by
data collected from execution activities, field surveys and previous laboratory test results. The model has
been validated and applied to a real case study. The detailed discussion and analysis indicated that many
features support the use of CFRP in the investigated case study. Furthermore, the analysis emphasised that
the strengthening efficiency and durability decide the selection while project scope achievement criterion is
insignificant compared to other criteria. Ultimately, the obtained results from the case study provide the
construction market with a decision that supports the use of the CFRP by 56 %, while the use of ST is only
supported in 44 %.