Title: Flexural and Shear Strengthenings of RC Beams Using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Laminates

Author(s): C.-T. T. Hsu, W. Punurai, and Z. Zhang

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 211

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 89-114

Keywords: analysis and design; beams; CFRP strengthening experiments; flexure; reinforced concrete; shear

DOI: 10.14359/12586

Date: 2/1/2003

Abstract:
This paper explores both flexural and shear behavior of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams. For flexural strengthening of RC beams, a total of ten large-scale beams were tested to failure under monotonic and cyclic loads. The beams were originally designed as wither under-reinforced or almost over-reinforced concrete beams. The present experimental results show that externally bonded CFRP strips to the tension face of the beam is an effective technique for repair and retrofit of RC beams under various loads. This study also shows that ductility of CFRP strengthened beams, in particular for a shorter beam, is adequate if the beam is properly designed and the CFRP strips are properly anchored. Five RC beams without shear reinforcement were also cast for studying shear strengthening of RC beams. Results of test demonstrate the feasibility of using externally applied, epoxy-bonded CFRP system to restore or increase the shear capacity of RC beams. The CFRP system can significantly increase the serviceability, ductility, and ultimate shear strength of a concrete beam, thus restoring beam shear strength using CFRP is also a highly effective technique. An analysis and design method for shear strengthening of externally bonded CFRP has been proposed as well.