Strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using externally bonded FRP plates

Abstract

In recent years, occurrence of great earthquakes in Turkey has resulted in important damages in structures. Due to this phenomenon, repair and/or retrofit of the existing structures have become an important issue. In addition, increasing of serviceability loads, upgrading of provisions or deterioration of the structures due to corrosion or other types of degradation have caused emerging the necessity of repair and/or strengthening. Although a variety of strengthening techniques are available such as jacketing or strengthening with externally bonded steel plates, it is getting popular to use FRP material due to their excellent properties.An experimental and analytical study on the behaviour of FRP-strengthened beams has been performed. All beams have the same material properties and dimensions. The effect of FRP ratio and reinforcement ratio on the behaviour of test specimens has been investigated.