Background to the European seismic design provisions for retrofitting RC elements using FRP materials

The aim of this paper is to establish a new-generation framework for the design of seismic retrofits using FRP ma-terials. Following prevailing earthquake and design practice, the paper establishes performance-based criteria for global and local retrofit requirements so that the rehabilitated structure can develop acceptable, repairable levels of dam-age in a severe earthquake and minimal (limited) levels of damage in the frequent event. The aims of FRP retrofit de-signs are the enhancement of strength and deformation ca-pacity as well as the mode of failure control of the structure and its individual structural members. It is intended that this paper should serve as the background for the development of European seismic retrofit provisions using FRPs.