Nse/eb-frcm technique for strengthening of rc beams in shear

Abstract

This paper presents experimental results on the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams using 'hybrid near surface embedded/externally bonded' NSE/EB technique for fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM). Six RC beams have been constructed, strengthened in shear using the NSE/EB-FRCM system and tested in addition to one control beam without strengthening. Three types of FRCM composites were utilized in the NSE/EB-FRCM strengthening system including carbon FCM, glass FRCM, and polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM. Two test parameters were investigated; namely, the type of FRCM composite and strengthening configuration (full configuration versus intermittent FRCM strips). From the experimental results, it was concluded that the load carrying capacity of RC beams could be significantly increased using NSE/EB-FRCM strengthening system. An average of 84.5% gain in the ultimate load carrying capacity of the strengthened beams relative to the control beam has been observed. The strengthening system has also enhanced the ductility behaviour and deformational characteristics of the beams. With regard to the FRCM type, carbon FRCM was the most effective of all. Moreover, full strengthening configuration performed better than intermittent configuration, which confirmed the significance of the amount and continuity of the FRCM system in the shear span. 2020, University of Cantabria - Building Technology R&D Group. All rights reserved.