Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials have been used as internal and external reinforcement for concrete structures. Flexural strengthening of concrete elements using near surface mounted (NSM)–FRP materials are a promising technology. This research is designed to investigate the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure with NSM–FRP bars. A total of 20 reinforced concrete beams were tested. Different parameters including internal steel reinforcement ratio, type of NSM–FRP bars, FRP bar diameter, bonded length, and groove size were investigated in this research. Test results showed that the use of NSM–FRP bars is effective in increasing the flexural capacity of concrete beams. In addition, a nonlinear 3D finite element (FE) analysis was used to numerically simulate the behaviour of the test beams. Comparisons between the FE predictions and experimental results showed very good agreement in terms of the load−deflection and load−strain relationships, ultimate capacities, and modes of failure for the tested beams.
Flexural Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams through Externally Bonded FRP Sheets and Near Surface Mounted FRP Bars
