A VIEW POINT OF CRACK PROPAGATION AND FAILURE MODES OF FRP STRENGTHENED FLEXURAL RC ELEMENTS

Abstract

This study is focused on certain aspects of structural performance of FRP strengthened RC elements in bending. These structural aspects relate to (a) section load carrying capacity, (b) the failure mode and (c) the manner of crack propagation. The study sets out to verify a definitive link between points (b) and (c) and their combined influence on the manner of section deformation until failure. The additional focus of study is to understand the way that the presence of FRP composites changes the extent and intensity of cracking together with the new failure mechanisms and geometry.