Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with CFRP

Abstract

In recent years, civil engineers and researchers are showing great interest in using the new and advanced methods of repairing, retrofitting, and strengthening of old and ageing reinforced concrete structures. Externally bonding fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) to structural members is an effective method to increase its carrying capacity. This paper  is to investigate and improve the understanding, properties of externally RC beams strenghtened with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets. To achieve the aim, two groups of beams were designed according to ACI318-11 and investigated experimentally. The first group consisting of four beams strong in flexure but weak in shear and the second group beams consist of three beams strong in shear but weak in flexure. The beams were strengthened using CFRP externally. The behaviours of the beam specimens under the effect of loads were investigated according to various application of CFRP orientation. According to the results of experiments, effectiveness of the rehabilitation method both on the load carrying capacity and energy absorption capacity were evaluated.