Performance enhancement of preloaded RC beams using CFRP sheets

Abstract

Retrofitting concrete structures with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has grown widely in most parts of the world today. The main reason for the wide spread application of FRP is that it is possible to obtain an effective strengthening with a relative small work effort. Furthermore it is possible to carry out strengthening work without changing the current appearance or dimension of the structure. To strengthen and increase the ductility of the structure, CFRP has become an innovative material in to the field of structural strengthening and rehabilitation. In the present experimental investigation, RC beams were preloaded up to 0 to 50% of the ultimate capacity and were applied with CFRP sheets at the soffit of the beams were compared with control beam. The Load vs deflection, and crack mechanism are studied. The use of CFRP sheets in the soffit of the beam has resulted in enhanced strength and ductility. © 2012 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY.