Deflection Prediction of FRP-Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams

Abstract

Bonding fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates to the tension face of RC members has been proven to be an effective method to improve the flexural strength. However, structural members are not only needed to have adequate strength, but also to have adequate performance of deformation at service load levels. To evaluate the deflection of externally FRP-strengthened RC beams, a total of 18 RC beams, including 16 beams strengthened with CFRP laminate under different preload levels and 2 control beams, were tested. Based on the assumption that the section of the beam behaves a tri-linear moment-curvature response characterized by pre-crack stage, post-crack stage and failure stage and the test results, this paper presents a modified model to evaluate the deflection of CFRP-strengthened RC beams. The present modified model was verified by the similar test results, and shows a good agreement with the test results.