One of the methods of retrofitting reinforced concrete structures is use of FRP sheets to increase the flexural and shear strength of concrete elements. Use of FRP materials is in rapid progress because of their high strength, light weight and easy installation of FRP composites. Poisson’s ratio mismatch between FRP sheets and concrete is resulted premature debonding of FRP strips. Hence, the use of ultimate strength of FRP sheets is difficult if EB (External bonded) is applied in installation of FRP. Therefore, debonding has been repeatedly reported in most experimental studies. Recent studies in Isfahan University of Technology (IUT) show that use of grooving method (GM) to attach the FRP sheet to concrete surface for flexural strengthening is much more effective compared to conventional methods. In present experimental study, small scale reinforced concrete beams were strengthened with FRP strips for shear. Comparison between the ultimate load and deflection of the test beams demonstrates that grooving method was effective and led to elimination of debonding of FRP strips used for shear strengthening.
Experimental study on shear strengthening of RC beams with basalt FRP strips using different wrapping methods