Flexural Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Externally Bonded and Unbonded Prestressed CFRP Laminates: A Literature Review

Abstract

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials have been widely used in prestressed and non-prestressed systems for the flexural strengthening of concrete structures in many construction projects worldwide. Strengthening with non-prestressed CFRP materials, which is known as passive repair, could lead to an increase in the ultimate capacity of the concrete member. However, it has little effect on its serviceability performance (e.g., cracking, yielding, and deflection properties). Flexural strengthening with prestressed CFRPs provides an active repair technique that positively effects the strength and serviceability of structures. In addition, strengthening with prestressed fiber-reinforced composites efficiently uses the material’s high tensile strength. Although different fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials and forms have been used in prestressing applications, this paper focused on the use of CFRP laminates (e.g., sheets, strips, or plates). These laminates have been widely used due to their excellent mechanical properties, ease of application in various geometrical shapes, good conforming surface area of contact with structures, and low installation costs. A comprehensive literature review was presented on strengthening using prestressed CFRP laminates in conventionally and internally prestressed concrete structures (PCSs). The externally bonded and unbonded prestressed CFRP laminate applications that used different anchorage systems were presented. The flexural behavior, failure modes, and serviceability performance of the strengthened concrete members were discussed. The effects of the prestressing level on ductility and energy absorption and a summary of the recommended optimum prestressing level discussions were presented in this paper. Furthermore, a review of the theoretical studies that were conducted for prestressed CFRP applications was provided. The knowledge gaps in the research area and future research recommendations were presented.