Flexural behavior of historical RC beams strengthened with hybrid FRP sheets

Abstract

Historical reinforced concrete (RC) buildings are culturally and aesthetically significant and require conservation due to aging. Strengthening RC buildings often requires the use of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets, however distinct material properties of historical RC buildings have not been systematically considered yet. This study investigates the flexural behavior of historical RC beams strengthened by hybrid FRP sheets. A total of 11 beam specimens with varying FRP sheet configurations were tested using a four-point bending test to assess their flexural behavior, including failure mode, cracking pattern, load-deflection behavior, strain distribution, and ductility. The results showed that hybrid FRP sheets increased the maximum bearing capacity of strengthened specimens up to 30.2 %. An optimal fiber sheet configuration (T-3) is identified. 45-degree incline installation contributes to a 4.5 % increase in the bearing capacity of specimens. The average ductility loss of hybrid FRP sheets strengthened specimen (except for double-layer strengthened specimen) is 42 %, while an increase of sheet layer post adverse effect on ductility. Strain distribution conforms to the plane-section assumption. Additionally, a maximum bearing capacity calculation model was proposed, aiding the understanding of FRP strengthening in historical RC buildings.