Title: Experimental Studies of Mechanically-Fastened FRO Systems: State-of-the-Art

Author(s): Vicki L. Brown, Lawrence C. Bank, Dushyant Arora, David T. Borowicz, Ahmed Godat, Anthony J. Lamanna, Jaeha Lee, Fabio Matta, Annalisa Napoli, and Kiang Hwee Tan

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 275

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-22

Keywords: Concrete beams; Fiber reinforced polymers; Flexural strengthening

DOI: 10.14359/51682458

Date: 3/1/2011

Abstract:
A method for strengthening reinforced concrete members using mechanically-fastened FRP (MF-FRP) has been studied in laboratory investigations and in several bridge strengthening demonstration projects. The strengthening is obtained by attaching FRP strips, with high bearing and longitudinal strengths, to concrete elements using steel power actuated fastening “pins” (PAFs), steel anchor bolts or concrete screws, or a combination thereof. The MF-FRP method requires minimal surface preparation and permits immediate use of the strengthened structure. Published research on this method with a range of member sizes has shown promising results in terms of installation efficiency, level of strengthening achieved, and preventing strip delamination before concrete crushing. This State-of-the-Art paper presents an overview of work conducted over the last 10 years on experimental aspects of the MF-FRP method, with beams as well as one-way and two-way slabs. A database of collected test results for MF-FRP strengthened beams and one-way slabs is presented.