RETROFITTING AND STRENGTHENING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS USING FIBER REINFORCED POLYMERS

Abstract

The possibility of natural deterioration exists in reinforced concrete structures which has created the need to investigate the extent of damage and instigate the reliable repairing and retrofitting techniques. Many reasons exist for this deterioration and the probable causes are ageing of the structure, inadequate maintenance, corrosion resulting from harsh weather conditions, outdated design practices or substandard construction and natural circumstances like earthquakes. Therefore, solutions need not only be effective, but also be economically and environmentally practical. Therefore, repairing of existing structures is an important issue to be addressed. FRPs (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) are emerging as a viable composite material in this regard. FRP is an elastic material, used mainly as wraps and strips in retrofitting of existing reinforced concrete structures. The research aims at the selection of viable FRP systems, their design and proper application techniques to retrofit reinforced concrete beams and to increase the flexural strength, achieved by retrofitting with FRP wraps as well as strips. The parameters of the study are: • Comparison of changes in flexure behavior due application of FRP • Comparison in flexure strengthening of both methods i.e. Wrap and Strips. • The performance comparison between the retrofitting techniques. Three beams are tested in flexure with a unique method of application of FRP. Results will be compared with each other as well as with a reference beam having the same design, casting and curing conditions. It is expected that retrofitting of beams will enhance their performance in flexure.