Strengthening Of RC Beam Using GFRP Wraps

Fiber reinforced polymer materials are continuing to show great promise for using strengthening reinforced concrete structures. These materials are an excellent option for use as external reinforcing, because of their light weight, resistant to corrosion and high strength. The main aim of this study is to investigate the flexural characteristic of RC beams using GFRP sheets and strips. This paper presents experimental results of the RC beams strengthened in flexure with various externally bonded GFRP configurations, here in order to delay the GFRP debonding as well as to increase the efficiency of the GFRP strips, additional U jacket strip or sheets located in the debonding initiation region have been proposed. Ten rectangular RC specimens were tested to evaluate the effect of using the additional U shaped GFRP sheets and spaced U strips on the intermediate crack debonding of the laminate. The fiber orientation effects of the side bonded sheets were also investigated. The beam specimens to be rehabilitated are initially loaded to 75% of estimated ultimate load, treated and tested to failure. The parameters consider for the study are ultimate load carrying capacity load deflection failure modes and flexural stiffness of the strengthened beams.