EPOXY REPAIR TECHNIQUES FOR MODERATE EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

Two test series were conducted to determine the effectivenes of epoxy techniques to repair moderate earthquake damage. Two interior reinforced concrete subassemblages (PI and VI) were subjected to a series of cyclic lateral loads to simulate moderate earthquake damage. The specimens were then repaired with one of two epoxy repair techniques: pressure injection (RPI) or vacuum impregnation (RVI). The repaired specimens RPI and RVI were then subjected to the same load history as that imposed on the original test specimens (PI and VI). The restoration of bond between the reinforcement and concrete in the joint was of particular interest. Both techniques worked well in restoring the strength, stiffness, energy-dissipation capacity, and bond of the specimens. The vacuum impregnation technique may have an advantage in the repair of large regions of damage and offshoot cracks.