STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS USING GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER

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