EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF UNREINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS EXTERNALLY BONDED WITH FRP

Abstract

Many of the existing reinforced concrete structures throughout the world are in urgent need of rehabilitation, repair or reconstruction because of deterioration due to various factors like corrosion, lack of detailing, failure of bonding between beamcolumn joints, increase in service loads etc, leading to cracking, spalling, loss of strength, deflection etc. The recent developments in the application of the advanced composites in the construction industry for concrete rehabilitation and strengthening are increasing based on specific requirements, national needs and industry participation. The need for efficient rehabilitation and strengthening techniques of existing concrete structures has resulted in research and development of composite strengthening systems. Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite has been accepted in the construction industry as a promising substitute for repairing and in incrementing the strength of RCC structure. FRP composites possess some outstanding properties such as resistance to corrosion, good fatigue and damping resistance, high strength to weight ratio and electromagnetic transparency. FRPs over the years have gained respect in terms of its superior performance and versatility and now are being used not only in housing industry but its potentials are being continuously explored for its use in retro-fitting and strengthening of damaged structural members.