Behaviour of carbon fibre reinforced polymer retrofitted, out of plane curved reinforced concrete beam failed in flexure

Abstract

Due to their superior qualities in contrast with the alternatives, Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strengthening techniques have proven great performance in externally strengthening Reinforced Concrete (RC) elements. The behavior of externally CFRP strengthened RC elements has been the subject of numerous studies. However, to the authors' view, whereas the majority of studies have concentrated on externally reinforcing straight RC beams with CFRP, none have focused on strengthening horizontally curved RC beams. The use of curved beams was significantly increased due to development of infrastructure and high concerns on aesthetical appearance. Hence, curved beams naturally respond to shear, torsion and flexural effect. In a similar way, the industry need to be more focused on the way to respond in flexural failure in such a case. As a result, it's crucial to investigate the possibility of the retrofit when a beam failed in flexural effect. The experimental approach was carried out in order to reduce the aforesaid research need. A series of 2m and 4m radii beam specimens were tested in 2 stages with CFRP shear strengthen and retrofit the beams which are failed due to flexural effect.