Strengthening of RC Beam by Using Externally Bonded CFRP Laminates

Failure of structural components, either partially or as a whole leads to overall weakening of the structure, ultimately failing to comply with structural safety and serviceability criterion. In the past few decades, emergence of condition monitoring and resulting retrofitting measures have experienced great importance. In case of loss of structural capacity, amounting and recuperating the loss has been the ultimatum. In this paper, strengthening capacities of externally bonded single layer carbon fibre reinforced polymer (EBCFRP) on reinforced concrete (RC) is assessed. Control specimens were used to understand the carrying capacity, modes of failure and cracking pattern under standard loading protocol. Comparison of performance with EBCFRP is then carried out based on codal provisions (IS 456:2000). Test carried out to understand the performance of single layer and double layer CFRP laminated beams. Experimental tests conducted indicate that EBCFRP method successfully strengthens beams for upto 20% increase in load carrying capacity, flexural cracking was successfully controlled and deflection of EBCFRP beams experienced 35% lesser deflection under the same loading pattern as compared to the control specimen. The results of this research work aims for providing real life application in retrofitting measures for existing beams.