Title: Shear Strengthening with Bonded CFRP L-Shaped Plates

Author(s): M. Basler, D. White, and M. Desroches

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 215

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 373-384

Keywords: CFRP L-shaped plates; shear strengthening; structural strengthening 373

DOI: 10.14359/12878

Date: 8/1/2003

Abstract:
Maintenance, rehabilitation and change in use of existing structures have become more and more important the number of new structures decreases. More than 10 years ago FRP strengthening systems were introduced into the construction industry. External flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete structures using bonded CFRP plates was first utilized in 1991 on the Ibach Bridge near Lucerne, Switzerland [1]. After the first pilot applications in the early 1990's and introduction to the market in 1994, flexural strengthening by bonding CFRP plates to many structures has become accepted world-wide and is now commonplace [2]. Systematic testing undertaken by Sika AG, Switzerland in co-operation with the independent laboratories of EMPA (Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research) offers a new solution for shear strengthening using CFRP L-shaped plates. To guarantee the expected long-term behaviour of the strengthening system, it is necessary that the CFRP plate and the structural adhesive be designed and installed as a complete system.