Title: Increasing Flexural Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Author(s): Sergio F. Brena, Regan M. Bramblett, Sharon L. Wood, and Michael E. Kreger

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 100

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 36-46

Keywords: carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites; reinforced concrete; strengthening.

DOI: 10.14359/12437

Date: 1/1/2003

Abstract:
A series of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure using different carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite systems were fabricated and tested in the laboratory to examine the effects of the strengthening configuration on the specimen behavior. The main goal of the tests was to find strengthening configurations to develop the strength of the composite laminates and preclude failure by debonding of the composite systems from the concrete surface. Results indicate that relying on the contact area between the composite laminates and the concrete surface is not sufficient to eliminate debonding. Strengthening configurations involving techniques such as placement of transverse straps along the composite laminates or bonding the composites on the side surface of the specimens controlled debonding and provided a more ductile failure mode than placement on the bottom surface of the beams. Results of this investigation are intended to provide information required for the design of strengthening schemes of existing reinforced concrete bridges using composites.