Retrofitting Damaged Bridge Piers with Hybrid FRP and UHPC Composites to Promote Reuse and Sustainability
Confirmation seminar presented by Diluni D. Gardiya Manawaduge
Every year, billions of dollars are spent worldwide for repair and strengthening reinforced concrete (RC) bridges. Recent advancements in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) have made these materials as promising solutions for retrofitting deficient infrastructure. This research aims to evaluate the compatibility and effectiveness of FRP grid reinforced UHPC jacketing for strengthening RC bridge piers. It will investigate both material-level and structural-level performance, focusing on mechanical behaviour and durability under various parameters. Findings will provide insight into the potential of the proposed retrofit system to enhance the resilience and service life of existing bridge systems.

About Confirmation Seminars
The purpose of the confirmation milestone is to ensure that the candidate receives appropriate feedback in relation to the viability and progress of the thesis project and that the resources required to complete the program of research within the recommended timeframe are available. It is also an opportunity to ensure that the candidate has demonstrated the capacity and capability to successfully complete the thesis in a timely manner.