Increasing Flexural Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Carbon
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites
ACI Structural Journal, 100 (1):
36--46 (January 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.