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. He is interested in the application of advanced fiber reinforced polymers (FRP), particularly in the development of FRP systems for the repair or strengthening of existing concrete infrastructure. His research includes large-scale destructive testing at the Constructed Facilities Laboratory and analytical modeling.

Publications

Analytical approach for global load-slip behaviour of FRP plates externally bonded to brittle substrates with anchors

Sturm, A. B., Visintin, P., Vaculik, J., Oehlers, D. J., Seracino, R., & Smith, S. T. (2019), COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING, 160, 177–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.10.024

Anchor Bolt Patterns for Mechanically Fastened FRP Plates

McCoy, B. C., Bourara, Z., Seracino, R., & Lucier, G. W. (2019), JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES FOR CONSTRUCTION, 23(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CC.1943-5614.0000951

Numerical simulation and experimental corroboration of galvanic corrosion of mild steel in synthetic concrete pore solution

Mohammadian, A., Rashetnia, R., Lucier, G., Seracino, R., & Pour-Ghaz, M. (2019), CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES, 103, 263–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.04.027

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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2018.02.077

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

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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.017

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).

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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.200

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

GFRP Shells with Transverse CFRP Strips to Retrofit Deteriorated Timber Piles - CICI Core Project

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site(7/01/19 - 6/30/20)

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GFRP Shells with Transverse CFRP Strips to Retrofit Deteriorated Timber Piles - CICI Core Project

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

Start Date: 7/01/19

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

This project investigates the performance of prefabricated GFRP shells with CFRP strips to restore the lost strength of deteriorated load-bearing timber piles. Specimens of the shell system will be tested in pure hope tension using the environmental chamber to optimize the elements making up the shell. Subsequently, a series of small-scale axial compression tests will be designed and tested applied to short timber piles with representative levels of damage induced. Finally, a series of large-scale flexural tests will be designed and tested applied to long timber piles. The timber elements and the GFRP shell systems will be provided by IAB member Warstone according to the specifications requested. Design recommendations will be provided allowing the GFRP shell system to be applied to deteriorated timber piles efficiently and effectively.

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Confinement of Square Reinforced Concrete Columns with FRP Wraps - CICI Core Project

Center for Integration of Composites into Infrastructure (CICI) - NCSU Research Site(7/01/19 - 6/30/20)

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Confinement of Square Reinforced Concrete Columns with FRP Wraps - CICI Core Project

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

Start Date: 7/01/19

End Date: 6/30/20

Abstract

A project focused on the strengthening of reinforced concrete columns under reverse cyclic loading is proposed. Concrete columns will be produced with integrated foundations and will be strengthened with various types of Fiber Reinforced Polymer strengthening systems. The strengthening will be focused on flexural strengthening through confinement and on shear strengthening through external FRP stirrups. All columns will be loaded under reverse cyclic load histories in the presence of axial load. The goal of the program will be to investigate whether various systems can meet building code requirements for FRP strengthening systems.

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Evaluating Integral Abutment Performance

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/19 - 7/31/21)

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Evaluating Integral Abutment Performance

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/19

End Date: 7/31/21

Abstract

Integral abutment (IA) bridges may provide many advantages over conventional bridges during construction and subsequent maintenance. NCDOT has been designing various types of IA bridges. Unlike conventional bridges, IA bridges do not have expansion joints within the bridge deck or between the bridge deck and supporting abutments. Expansion joints and bearings in a conventional bridge are costly, and leaking joints cause deterioration of girders and bearings — leading to potential¬ly unsafe conditions and high maintenance and repair costs. Besides cost savings related to construction and maintenance, IA bridges also provide superior performance during extreme loading events, such as earthquake and blast loading, and are being built at an increasing rate in the United States. NCDOT began utilizing integral abutments in 2006. Since that time, NCDOT has provided varying guidance and details for integral abutments, but the overall performance of each detail has not been documented. Because IA bridges are built without expansion joints, thermal expansion and contraction must be accommodated by movement of the abutments. Thus, significant forces can develop in the bridge structure, abutments, piles, and soil surrounding the bridge substructure. The magnitude of these forces and response of the IA bridge to them is strongly dependent on the stiffness of the bridge structure, pile foundations, and soil. If the piles and soil are too stiff, large unwanted forces/stresses may develop in the bridge. On the other hand, if the backfill is relatively flexible and the embankment and foundation soil is stiff, unwanted yielding of the piles may occur at the bottom of the abutment. The fact that the soil response is strongly dependent on moisture content, which can vary significantly both seasonally and over the life of the bridge, results in unexpected problems. NCDOT reported that components of their integral abutments have been removed, added, or revised to address construction and maintenance problems without monitoring the influence of the revisions. Evaluation of these revisions is needed and recommendations for updates provided, as required.

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Rapid Seismic Repair of Column to Footing Connections – Phase 2

US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)(1/17/19 - 5/31/22)

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Rapid Seismic Repair of Column to Footing Connections – Phase 2

Sponsor: US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

Start Date: 1/17/19

End Date: 5/31/22

Abstract

Bridge column repair has been studied for some time with several established techniques for repair for shear and confinement critical columns. Recent research at NC State has demonstrated the feasibility of repair of heavily damaged bridge columns, including those suffering buckling and fracture of reinforcement, through the use of ‘Plastic Hinge Relocation’. That research led to the development of a set of repair techniques using both conventional and advanced materials. The research described in this proposal aims to further advance the techniques that have been developed, while identifying others that may lead to a more efficient repair design. The specific objectives of the research described in this proposal are to: (1) Experimentally verify the behavioral mechanisms developed in the prior study; (2) Investigate options for simplifying the repair process through alternative connections between adjoining members; (3) Evaluate alternative forming options for the repair region; (4) Study the use of rebar couplers for fractured bars; and (5) Evaluate residual drift limits within the context of complete bridge structures. The above will be accomplished through large scale tests that will take advantage of columns already constructed and tests as part of a different research program. In addition, the residual drift computational study developed in Phase 1 will be further developed to evaluate its performance for more complex bridge systems. Recommendations will consist of additional repair technique alternatives that can be implemented into the design guide developed during Phase 1. It is worth noting also that although the focus of this project is on earthquake induced damage, the repair techniques developed will also be applicable to the repair of other forms of damage, including environmental deterioration such as steel reinforcement corrosion and ice flows.

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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

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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

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

QuakeWrap, Inc. (7/01/18 - 6/30/19)

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

Sponsor: QuakeWrap, Inc.

Start Date: 7/01/18

End Date: 6/30/19

Abstract

Full Membership

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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 - 8/15/19)

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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: 8/15/19

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 - 6/30/20)

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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: 6/30/20

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.

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