Static and Cyclic Performance of HSC Beams with GFRP Laminates

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental work conducted to examine the effectiveness of Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) laminates on the performance of High Strength Concrete (HSC) beams under static loading and cyclic loading. For the experimental investigation, a total of fourteen beams of size 150mmm x 250mm in cross section with a total length of 3000mm were cast and tested. Two beams served as control beam and twelve beams were strengthened with three different configuration of GFRP laminates (Chopped Strand mat – CSM, Woven Roving – WR and Uni Directional Cloth – UDC) of 3mm and 5mm thickness. The study parameters considered for this research work included first crack load, deflection at first crack load, yield load, deflection at yield load, ultimate load, deflection at ultimate load, deflection ductility, deflection ductility ratio, energy ductility, energy ductility ratio, number of cracks and average spacing of cracks for high strength concrete beams with and without externally bonded GFRP laminates under static loading. Also, adequate data was obtained on the number of cycles, deflection, stiffness, crack width, number of cracks, average spacing of cracks, energy absorption and failure characteristics for high strength concrete beams with externally bonded GFRP laminates under cyclic loading. The results of the experiments carried out are presented and discussed in detail. The static and cyclic test results show that the beams strengthened with externally bonded GFRP laminates exhibit increased strength, enhanced flexural stiffness, sufficient ductility and composite action until failure.