Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams by Carbon Fiber Composites
The paper considers the results of the experimental study of the reinforced concrete beams strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced plastics (the CFRP). Eight reinforced concrete beams of the 80x160 mm section and 1500 mm designed span have been manufactured and tested. The influence of the number of the CFRP layers (strengthening power) on bearing capacity and rigidity under the static loading of beams in the thirds of the span has been studied. The results obtained indicate the increase in bearing capacity of the reinforced beams from 24% up to 55% and the increase in rigidity by 45% for the commonly adopted limiting state, i.e. achieving ultimate deformations in concrete of the compressed zone). The paper underlines the need for using anchor devices in the form of U-shaped binders to ensure the efficiency of the given method of strengthening.