Improvement of structural performance of RC Beams with external reinforcement method: an experimental investigation

Abstract

The old existing RC structures around the world need to be examined and reinforced to increase their capacity for different reasons. Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) is believed to be the most efficient system to retrofit and improve the strength of the RC members. However, in certain cases, engineers need to utilize the combination of flexural and shear FRP systems, which was not mandated in the standard code. Therefore, this research was focused on the structural behavior of RC beams strengthened with a flexural and shear FRP combination. The beam specimens were tested for failure under a two-point load configuration and the confining effect of the FRP was also investigated. The finding of the experimental test revealed the enhancement of the load capacity and ductility performed in RC beams. The specimen failure was indicated by the concrete crushing at the top part of the beam and the yield condition at the bottom longitudinal reinforcement. It was also discovered that the externally bonded FRP system could confine the concrete and result in the enhancement of ductility and compressive strength. The evidence presents the understanding of the structural behavior of the RC beam strengthened with the combination of flexural and shear FRP systems.