Strengthing of Reinforced Concrete Beams using GFRP Composites

Experimental investigations on the flexural and shear behavior of RC beams strengthened using continuous GFRP sheets were carried out. Externally reinforced concrete beams with epoxy-bonded GFRP sheets were tested to failure using a symmetrical two point concentrated static loading system. Two sets of beams were casted for this experimental test program. In SET I three beams weak in flexure were casted, out of which one was controlled beam and other two beams were strengthened using continuous GFRP sheets in flexure. In SET II three beams weak in shear were casted, out of which one was the controlled beam and other two beams were strengthened using continuous GFRP sheets in shear. The strengthening of the beams was done with different amount and configuration of GFRP sheets. Experimental data on load, deflection and failure modes of each of the beams were obtained. The effect of number of GFRP layers and its orientation on ultimate load carrying capacity and failure mode of the beams were investigated.