Ultimate strength prediction for reinforced concrete slabs externally strengthened by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)

Abstract

This paper presents the potential use of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FPR) systems to upgrade reinforced concrete slabs deficient in flexural strength. A total of five slabs, each having 500 mm width, 125 mm thickness, and 1530 mm length, were cast and tested to failure under four-point bending. Two slabs were reinforced with three number of 10 mm tor steel bars at the tension side that corresponds to 0.38% steel reinforcement ratio. One slab was used as a control whilst the other slab was strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). Other three slabs were reinforced with four numbers of 6 mm mild steel bars at the tension side that corresponds to 0.18% steel reinforcement ratio. One slab was used as a control specimen while the other two slabs were strengthened with different arrangement of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). In the experimental stage, the influences of FRP on the slabs were analyzed by studying their behaviour at failure.