Effect of CFRP Anchors in Strengthening of RC Beams Using Precast RC Segments Followed by CFRP Wrapping

Abstract

AbstractThe service life of reinforced concrete structures is decreasing day by day without serving its designed life. This is caused to a variety of factors, including structural deterioration, which renders the structure unsafe for users. Deterioration of structures may be caused due to change in use or functionality, adverse environmental effects and addition in loading on the structure due to vertical development. The demand for commercial and residential space is increasing drastically and due to high land value vertical development is the only option left with necessary precautions considered against the capacity of foundations. It is important for structural members to have adequate strength and deformation capacity for stable performance of structures during its entire life, hence repairing, retrofitting and upgrading the structure for enhanced load carrying capacity and displacement capacity is necessary. In present experimental study, newly cast reinforced concrete (RC) beams were strengthened by attaching RC precast segments and followed by carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) wrapping. Further to increase bonding between the CFRP and concrete, CFRP anchors were installed to anchor the CFRP wrapping layers on the surface of concrete beam. From the experimental investigation, it can be observed that the beams strengthened with the help of precast segments and CFRP wrapping show considerable increase in load carrying capacity. The CFRP anchors have increased the bond between CFRP wrapping and concrete surface.KeywordsStrengtheningPrecast segmentCarbon fibre reinforced polymerWrappingAnchorsUltimate loadDisplacement and ductility