Flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using carbon fibre reinforced polymer strips

This paper explores the behaviour of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams with and without end anchorage provided at the ends of CFRP strips on the tension face of the beams. A total of 12 beams were tested to failure under monotonic and cyclic loads. The beams were originally designed as either under-reinforced or almost over-reinforced concrete beams. The present experimental results show that externally bonded CFRP strips to the tension face of the beam is an effective technique for repair and retrofit of reinforced concrete beams under various loads. This study also shows that ductility of CFRP strengthened beam, in particular for a shorter beam, is adequate if the beam is properly designed and the CFRP strips are properly anchored.