## 4 Test Results and Discussion
### Comparisons with Traditional Strengthening Methods  
The main strengthening methods with traditional reinforcements include the following. (a) Concrete jacketing involves applying an additional layer of reinforced concrete around the existing columns or beams [1; 2; 3; 4]. This method enhances the structural capacity and durability but can significantly increase the stiffness of the strengthened elements, changes the distribution of the seismic loads, and increases the load on the foundation; it usually requires extensive demolition and construction works. (b) Steel plate bonding involves attaching steel plates to the surface of concrete members using adhesive or bolts. This method improves flexural strength and stiffness but may suffer from corrosion issues and requires careful surface preparation, and there are many reservations concerning its effectiveness. (c) External FRP wrapping, often using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) or Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), is another common method. It increases the strength and ductility of structures with minimal impact on the existing load. In general, based on the obtained results, FRP strengthening succeeded in improving the structural behavior of the joints [13; 14; 15; 16]. However, applying U-form jacketing to beams [17] causes inherent restrictions due to the existence of slabs usually existing, and in case of the strengthening of beam-column connections [5; 6], geometrical obstacles from the transversal beams also appear. These application problems often limit the effectiveness of the FRP sheets, and, in some cases, render the method unfeasible to apply. Further, the performance of the FRP sheets can be affected by environmental factors and requires proper application techniques.  
On the other hand, the main advantages of the application of C-FRP ropes as strengthening reinforcement are as follows. (a) Flexibility and Adaptability: C-FRP ropes can be easily adapted to various shapes and sizes of structural elements, offering a versatile solution for reinforcement. In particular, C-FRP ropes are applied as an external longitudinal reinforcement of the columns to increase the flexural strength; further, C-FRP ropes are also used as external stirrups for the confinement of the critical parts of the columns or the beams in order to improve their concrete strength and the local ductility. Finally, C-FRP ropes are also applied diagonally on the sides of the specimens, providing this method with an X-form external shear reinforcement [41; 42; 43; 44]. (b) Low Weight and Ease of Installation: Compared to traditional methods, C-FRP ropes are lighter and can be installed more quickly, reducing the overall construction time. (c) Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel reinforcing bars or plates, C-FRP ropes are resistant to environmental degradation, enhancing the longevity of the reinforcement [39]. (d) Long-Term Performance; While  
Figure 11: Comparative presentation of the dissipated energy of the tested specimens in terms of the area of the hysteretic cycles. (**a**) Dissipated energy of the first cycles of each loading step; (**b**) dissipated energy of the second cycles of each loading step; (**c**) dissipated energy of the third cycle of each loading step.  
current studies show promising results, long-term performance data are still being gathered to fully understand the behavior of C-FRP ropes over extended periods [40].