Reviewing the FRP Strengthening Systems

Abstract

Several methods have been invented for flexural strengthening of RC beams using the FRP materials in recent years. These techniques are categorized into two main groups: Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) techniques and Near Surface Mounted (NSM) techniques. The EBR family contains EBR (with conventional surface preparation), EBROG, EBRIG, MF-EBR, HOLING methods. The NSM family contains NSM-FRP Rods, NSM-FRP Sheets, NSM-MMFRP Rods methods. The EBR family techniques Despite the ease of implementation have weaknesses such as vulnerability against sever environmental conditions. Although the NSM techniques, have longer installation time than the EBR family techniques but in these methods the strengthening materials are greatly protected against the environmental effects. In this paper, the various techniques for flexural strengthening of RC members from both the EBR and NSM families have been fully described and advantages and disadvantages of each technique have been discussed.