Abstract
The large portfolio of aging highway bridges worldwide includes many reinforced concrete T-section beams with various levels of damage and degradation. However, there is currently dearth of research on the anchoring behavior of CFRP sheets used for strengthening such RC T-section beams. Moreover, there is a need for rational and accurate analytical models to predict the strengthening effect of CFRP sheets for RC T-section beams. In this study, eight RC T-section beam specimens strengthened with externally bonded CFRP sheets were tested under quasi-static loading. The failure mode, cracking resistance, yielding and ultimate capacity were examined. The effects of U-wrap spacing, flexural reinforcing ratio, and concrete compressive strength on the flexural behavior of the CFRP strengthened RC T-section beams were analyzed and discussed. New analytical models were developed to predict the cracking, yielding and ultimate load resistance of the RC T-section beams strengthened with CFRP sheets. The analytical models were validated through comparing its predictions with experimental results, and they demonstrated adequate accuracy. The findings could be deployed for the retrofitting of a large portfolio of aging highway bridges with deteriorated reinforced concrete T-section beams.
Highlights
Many bridges serve under harsh environmental and mechanical loading conditions
The present study reports the findings of a test program on eight RC T-section beams reinforced with CFRP sheets tested to failure under two-point loading
T-section beam stage that started with initial loading until the first crack developed in the bottom tensile fiber at specimens strengthened by CFRP sheets
Summary
Many bridges serve under harsh environmental and mechanical loading conditions. Due to population growth and urbanization, traffic flow has increased substantially over the last few decades, while vehicle loads have gradually increased. Owing to simple construction and relatively lower cost, T-section beams have been extensively used in highway bridges around the world. In service, such T-section beams can be subjected to chloride ions ingress, carbonization and moisture intrusion, causing corrosion of the reinforcing steel, cracking, spalling and delamination. Such damage mechanisms compromise the load carrying capacity of the T-section beams and shortening the service life of the bridge. Strengthening T-section beams has become a primary concern in improving the structural performances of bridges with T-section beams
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