FRESCO: An Open Database for Fiber and Polymer Strengthening of Infilled RC Frame Systems

Abstract

What are the main findings?

The FRESCO database provides a systematic 13-section structure that organizes experimental data on infilled RC frame systems with complete documentation of geometric, material, reinforcement, and loading parameters necessary for numerical modeling and validation.

The automated 3D modeling framework converts database entries into detailed finite element models compatible with professional CAD software, with integrated capabilities for simulating composite strengthening interventions (FRP wrapping for columns/beams, TRM/FRP applications for infills).

What is the implication of the main finding?

Validation through three comprehensive examples demonstrates close agreement between numerical models and experimental results, accurately capturing initial stiffness, peak loading, and post-peak behavior across different loading conditions (out-of-plane, in-plane, and spatial configurations).

The open-source Python code with automated geometry generation significantly reduces time and effort for model preparation, enabling researchers to efficiently evaluate retrofitting strategies and develop sustainable strengthening solutions for existing RC frame structures with masonry infills worldwide.

This paper presents FRESCO (Fiber REinforced Strengthening COmposite Database), a comprehensive open-source database designed to systematically organize experimental data on infilled RC frame systems that can be strengthened with advanced composite materials, such as Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (FRP), Textile-Reinforced Mortars (TRM), and other fiber-based solutions. The database employs open source practices while providing high-quality output that is fully compatible with leading commercial software packages such as ANSYS 2022R2. It uses Python3 as the main programming language and FreeCAD v1.0 as the model generation engine, with a systematic 13-section structure that ensures complete documentation of all parameters necessary for numerical modeling and validation of analytical methods. Two types of databases are provided: in comma-separated format (.csv) for common everyday interaction and in JSON format (.json) for easy programmatic access. The database features automated 3D modeling capabilities, converting experimental data into detailed finite element models with solid RC frame geometry, reinforcement details, and infill configurations. Validation through three comprehensive examples demonstrates that numerical models generated from the database closely match experimental results, with response curves that closely match the initial stiffness, the peak loading and the post-peak stiffness degradation phase across different loading conditions. The database focuses on RC frame systems with unreinforced brick infill. Reflecting the term FRESCO, which in Greek (φρέσκο) means “fresh”, the database is designed as a dynamic, evolving resource, with future versions planned to include RC walls and full buildings.