Education

Research Description

Dr. Seracino's research interests are broadly categorized as the application of advanced materials and systems to enhance the resilience of critical civil infrastructure. His research includes large-scale laboratory testing and analytical modeling.

Publications

CFRP shear strengthening system for steel bridge girders

Kazem, H., Zhang, Y., Rizkalla, S., Seracino, R., & Kobayashi, A. (2018), ENGINEERING STRUCTURES, 175, 415–424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2018.08.038

Influence of geometry and fiber properties on rupture strain of cylindrical FRP jackets under internal ICE pressure

Sadeghian, P., Seracino, R., Das, B., & Lucier, G. (2018), Composite Structures, 192, 173–183.

State-of-the-art review and future research directions for FRP-to-masonry bond research: Test methods and techniques for extraction of bond-slip behaviour

Vaculik, J., Visintin, P., Burton, N. G., Griffith, M. C., & Seracino, R. (2018), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 183, 325–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.06.103

Time-dependent tension-stiffening mechanics of fiber-reinforced and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete

Sturm, A. B., Visintin, P., Oehlers, D. J., & Seracino, R. (2018), Journal of Structural Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 144(8).

The effects of accelerated Freeze-Thaw conditioning on CFRP strengthened concrete with pre-existing bond defects

Mabry, N. J., Seracino, R., & Peters, K. J. (2018), Construction and Building Materials, 163, 286–295.

Reinforced concrete behavior, research, development, and design through partial-interaction mechanics

Oehlers, D. J., Visintin, P., Chen, J. F., Seracino, R., Wu, Y. F., & Lucas, W. (2017), Journal of Structural Engineering (New York, N.Y.), 143(7).

Stress-strain response of A706 grade 80 reinforcing steel

Overby, D., Kowalsky, M., & Seracino, R. (2017), Construction & Building Materials, 145, 292–302.

An experimental study on bond-type anchorages for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer cables

Mei, K. H., Seracino, R., & Lv, Z. T. (2016), Construction & Building Materials, 106, 584–591.

Depth detection of bond defects in multilayered externally bonded CFRP-to-concrete using pulse phase thermography

Mabry, N. J., Peters, K. J., & Seracino, R. (2015), Journal of Composites for Construction, 19(6).

Improved schmidt method for predicting temperature development in mass concrete

Bobko, C. R., Zadeh, V. Z., & Seracino, R. (2015), ACI Materials Journal, 112(4), 579–586.

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member with Special Service Privileges

Warstone Innovations, LLC(7/01/18 - 6/30/20)

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Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member with Special Service Privileges

Sponsor: Warstone Innovations, LLC

Start Date: 7/01/18

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

Full Membership

Close

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member

Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. (7/01/18 - 6/30/19)

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Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member

Sponsor: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.

Start Date: 7/01/18

End Date: 6/30/19

Abstract

Full Membership

Close

In-plane Shear Strengthening of Wall-to-Slab Connections with Anchored GFRP Sheets, CICI Core Project

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site(7/01/17 - 12/31/18)

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In-plane Shear Strengthening of Wall-to-Slab Connections with Anchored GFRP Sheets, CICI Core Project

Sponsor: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site

Start Date: 7/01/17

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

In seismic regions it is often necessary to strengthen the cold joint of a concrete wall-to-slab interface and to provide load-path continuity for the longitudinal interfacial shear developed from in-plane loading. Engineers are designing and implementing such details without any direction from existing design guides. The purpose of this project is to experimentally test a common design detail used in practice to observe its full behavior to failure and quantify the contribution of the FRP strengthening system to the total shear resistance. It is common for these details to specify FRP spike anchors to prevent, or delay, debonding of the FRP strengthening system. Hence, there is also a need to quantify the behavior of FRP spike anchors in small-scale single-shear test specimens since design guides and anchor manufacturers provide very limited useful information on their design and capacity.

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Mechanically Fastened CFRP to Retrofit Existing Prestressed Concrete Bridge Beams - CICI Core Project

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site(8/01/17 - 6/30/19)

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Mechanically Fastened CFRP to Retrofit Existing Prestressed Concrete Bridge Beams - CICI Core Project

Sponsor: Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 6/30/19

Abstract

Prestressed concrete beams of various shapes and forms are among the common bridge superstructure systems used by NCDOT. Many such bridges are in varying states of distress and require retrofit to extend their useful service life prior to complete superstructure replacement. The need for repair with prestressed concrete beams is typically visually apparent and associated with corrosion of the internal steel reinforcement. The challenge at hand is to develop retrofit techniques that are durable, easy to install, field inspect and maintain, and that may be applied to the range of prestressed concrete and steel beam types. Critically, NCDOT must also be able to rate the proposed retrofit using approved AASHTO methods before it may be applied in the field. In many cases the retrofit may be considered temporary since the bridge superstructure may be scheduled for replacement in the near future. Temporary retrofit is intended to provide the ability to maintain sufficiently high operating rating to keep the bridge functional while replacement is scheduled. In lieu of an acceptable retrofit, the bridge may need to be load posted or closed, often resulting in significant detours and disruption. In addition to the technical design details, proposed retrofits must also be competitive in the context of a cost-benefit analysis. The overall objective of this project is to develop a retrofit solution using Mechanically Fastened (MF) Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) plates to specifically address the most common load rating issues of hollow cored prestressed concrete slabs. As the CFRP is attached to the concrete substrate using metallic fasteners the retrofit solution does not rely on the use of an epoxy adhesive bond, nor does it require significant surface preparation. This retrofit solution is sufficiently durable to extend the service life until such time that major rehabilitation or replacement may be scheduled without the need to load post the bridge. Removing the need for an adhesive bond typical of other FRP retrofit solutions simplifies the installation procedure and facilitates field inspection.

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Mechanically Fastened CFRP to Retrofit Existing Prestressed Concrete and Steel Bridge Beams

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/17 - 7/31/20)

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Mechanically Fastened CFRP to Retrofit Existing Prestressed Concrete and Steel Bridge Beams

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 7/31/20

Abstract

Prestressed concrete C-channels and cored slabs, and steel beams of various shapes and forms make up a significant percentage of the common bridge superstructure systems used by NCDOT. Many such bridges are in varying states of distress and require retrofit to extend their useful service life prior to major rehabilitation or superstructure replacement. The challenge is to develop retrofit techniques that are durable, easy to install, monitor and maintain, and that may be applied to the range of prestressed concrete and steel beam types. Critically, NCDOT must also be able to rate the proposed retrofit using approved AASHTO methods before it may be applied in the field. In many cases the retrofit may be considered temporary since the bridge may be scheduled for replacement in the near future. Temporary strengthening is intended to provide the ability to maintain a sufficiently high operating rating to keep the bridge functional while replacement is scheduled. In lieu of an acceptable retrofit, the bridge may need to be load posted or closed, often resulting in significant detours and disruption.

Close

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/17 - 6/30/20)

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Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Member

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

Full Membership

Close

Nondestructive Concrete Characterization System

US Army(12/20/16 - 12/31/18)

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Nondestructive Concrete Characterization System

Sponsor: US Army

Start Date: 12/20/16

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

Traditional concrete protective structures encountered by ground forces typically have unconfined compressive strengths of between 3,000 to 6,000 psi. Recent advances in concrete technology have resulted in new concrete materials with compressive strengths of 30,000 psi or greater. No field instrument currently exists that can simultaneously determine the compressive strength, thickness, and rebar configuration of concrete structures across today’s wide range of possible compressive strengths. In STTR Phase I/II efforts, NLA Diagnostics LLC (NLAD) developed a prototype instrument that measures both compressive strength and concrete thickness up to 33,000 psi and 6 ft, respectively. NLAD has also mapped out a technical course to locate rebar within the concrete. This proposed project will take input from military operators to improve packaging of the existing technology and to implement a rebar mapping capability in order to enhance military capabilities to defeat concrete protective structures, accelerate the ability to deploy concrete characterization instruments with operating forces, and reduce the technical risks associated with engaging concrete protective structures in tactical situations.

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Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Membership

Structural Technologies, Inc.(7/01/16 - 6/30/18)

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Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure Membership (CICI), Full Membership

Sponsor: Structural Technologies, Inc.

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 6/30/18

Abstract

Full Membership

Close

Transverse Seismic Design of Bridges with Longitudinal Keyway Joints

US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)(3/01/16 - 5/15/19)

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Transverse Seismic Design of Bridges with Longitudinal Keyway Joints

Sponsor: US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

Start Date: 3/01/16

End Date: 5/15/19

Abstract

This research proposal studies the behavior of a common bridge system employed in Alaska that utilizes decked bulb-tee girders connected by a diamond shaped longitudinal grouted keyway joint with intermittent steel shear connectors. While the behavior of the joint under gravity loads is well established, the performance under transverse seismic excitation is largely unknown. Through the use of full scale subassembly tests and non-linear modelling, recommendations on (1) Connection limit states; (2) Improvements to the connection (if needed); and (3) Lateral Modeling approaches will be proposed

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Seismic Repair of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns by Plastic Hinge Relocation

US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)(5/15/15 - 9/30/18)

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Seismic Repair of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns by Plastic Hinge Relocation

Sponsor: US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

Start Date: 5/15/15

End Date: 9/30/18

Abstract

Modern seismic design practices for bridge structures involve the use of capacity design principles that locate plastic hinges in columns, while protecting against other modes of failure or locations of damage. For large earthquakes, the formation of plastic hinges in columns can lead to buckling and rupture of longitudinal steel. Traditionally, once buckling occurs, bridge columns are demolished and rebuilt because the cost to replace portions of columns can be prohibitive. Replacement is deemed necessary since the inelastic strain capacity of reinforcing bars is severely diminished once buckling occurs, rendering the structure vulnerable to collapse in future earthquakes. Bridge column repair has been studied for some time with several established techniques for repair for shear and confinement critical columns. To the knowledge of the PIs, there is little data available on repair of columns that are otherwise designed to modern standards. Similarly, there is little data available on developing an understanding of when repair is truly needed, and when repair is truly no longer feasible. A recent pilot study conducted at NCSU demonstrated the feasibility of a repair technique which employed the relocation of the plastic hinge to a previously undamaged location within the column. This was successfully employed for columns that sustained buckled reinforcing bars, and showed promise for columns with fractured bars. In this proposal, the pilot study is expanded by developing a suite of repair techniques aimed at achieving plastic hinge relocation in damaged columns. Techniques may include the use of fiber reinforced polymers, high strength steel, reinforced concrete and structural steel. The focus will be on the concept of ‘hinge relocation for repair’ and will consider variables such as the need for rapid deployment following an event, environmental conditions at the time of repair, and expertise of potential repair workers in Alaska. The research will utilize columns that will be built and damaged as part of another AKDOT research project, thus maximizing resources. Recommendations will consist of analysis and design guidelines, as a function of damage level (i.e. strain limits), for repair design of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge column to footing connections. The recommendations will also be applicable to some RC column to cap connections, although specific tests on that configuration are not part of this phase of work.. In addition, analytical studies will be conducted on other bridge column connection types (e.g., reinforced concrete filled steel pipes to pile cap beams) such that the direction for future experimental work on those connections may proceed.

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