Experimental study on shear strengthening of RC beams using externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer sheets

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results of the Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams strengthened in shear with externally bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips. The investigation mainly focus on the shear strengthening effect of bonded CFRP strips on the ultimate shear strength and deformation behaviour of RC beams. In total eight beams were cast, seven without any internal shear reinforcement and the eighth with internal stirrups. Out of the seven beams without any shear reinforcement, one was used as control beam and the remaining beams were strengthened with CFRP strips with different wrapping schemes. All the beams were tested under simply supported condition with four point bending. The failure process of all the beams was carefully monitored and the results with regard to strain, deflection, first crack appearance, crack propagation and the shear carrying capacity are discussed. Results showed that the crack propagation can be better arrested in beams strengthened with CFRP strips. The shear enhancement of CFRP strengthened beams were in the range of 26 to 34 percent as compared to control beam. This study shows that the use of CFRP strips significantly increases the shear capacity of RC beams. � 2011, Advanced Engineering Solutions.