Strengthening of Reinforced concrete Beams using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Worldwide, a great deal of research is currently being conducted concerning the use of fiber reinforced plastic wraps, laminates and sheets in the repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete members. Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) application is a very effective way to repair and strengthen structures that have become structurally weak over their life span. FRP repair systems provide an economically viable alternative to traditional repair systems and materials.
Experimental investigations on the flexural and shear behavior of RC beams strengthened using continuous glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets are carried out. Externally reinforced concrete beams with epoxy-bonded GFRP sheets were tested to failure using a symmetrical two point concentrated static loading system. Two sets of beams were casted for this experimental test program. In SET I three beams weak in flexure were casted, out of which one is controlled beam and other two beams were strengthened using continuous glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets in flexure. In SET II three beams weak in shear were casted, out of which one is the controlled beam and other two beams were strengthened using continuous glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets in shear. The strengthening of the beams is done with different amount and configuration of GFRP sheets.
Experimental data on load, deflection and failure modes of each of the beams were obtained. The detail procedure and application of GFRP sheets for strengthening of RC beams is also included. The effect of number of GFRP layers and its orientation on ultimate load carrying capacity and failure mode of the beams are investigated.