Experimental and numerical study on behavior of externally bonded RC T-beams using GFRP composites

Abstract

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. In this study experimental investigation on the flexural behavior of RC T-beams strengthened using glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets are carried out.
Reinforced concrete T beams externally bonded with GFRP sheets were tested to failure using a symmetrical two point static loading system. Seven RC T-beams were casted for this experimental test. All of them were weak in flexure and were having same reinforcement detailing. One beam was used as a control beam and six beams were strengthened using different configurations of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets. Experimental data on load, deflection and failure modes of each of the beams were obtained. The effect of different amount and configuration of GFRP on ultimate load carrying capacity and failure mode of the beams were investigated.
The experimental results show that externally bonded GFRP can increase the flexural capacity of the beam significantly. In addition the results indicated that the most effective configuration was the U-wrap GFRP .A series of comparative studies on deflection between the present experimental data and results from finite element method and IS code method were made. Future area of research are being outlined.