Title: Strength and Deflection Enhancement of RC Slabs with Anchored FRP Strengthening

Author(s): Scott T. Smith, Shenghua Hu, Seo Jin Kim, and Rudi Seracino

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 275

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-14

Keywords: FRP; FRP anchors; slabs; strengthening

DOI: 10.14359/51682478

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
Debonding of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites externally bonded to reinforced concrete (RC) structural members can severely limit the effectiveness of the FRP strengthening. Anchorage of the FRP with anchors made from fibre sheets (i.e FRP anchors) is an effective means to increase its usable strain (and strength). This paper in turn reports the results of tests on one-way spanning RC slabs strengthened in flexure with FRP composites and anchored with FRP anchors. The tests reveal the strategic use of different types and positions of FRP anchors to increase the strength and deflection capacity of the strengthened slabs by up to 30 % and 110 %, respectively, above that of the unanchored but strengthened control slab. FRP anchors of greater strength placed closer to the peak bending moment region were found to be most beneficial in addition to closer spaced anchors of lesser fibre content in the low bending moment region.