Enhancing Flexural Performance of Self-Compacting Concrete Beams Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation into the behavior of beams made of reinforced selfcompacting concrete (RSCC). These beams were subjected to strengthening and re-strengthening using various externally bonded sheets made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP).The primary aim of this study is to identify an effective wrapping method suitable for RSCC beams that require strengthening and re-strengthening. The experimental program consisted of a control beam and twelve test beams. Among these, six beams (Group-A) were strengthened, and the other six beams (Group-B) were repaired after undergoing 50% preloading using CFRP and GFRP sheets. Three different wrapping con gurations were employed: Type 1 involved a single-layer U wrap, Type 2 utilized one layer at the so t in combination with a single-layer U wrap, and Type 3 entailed a double-layer U wrap with epoxy adhesive. The experimental results revealed that the beam in Group-A, which used the Type 2 wrapping method, demonstrated a remarkable 109% increase in its load-carrying capacity and signi cantly reduced de ections when compared to the performance of the control beam. Furthermore, the observations from the experiments indicated that wrapping techniques involving CFRP and GFRP sheets outperformed the control specimens.This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of different wrapping approaches using CFRP and GFRP sheets in improving the exural performance of RSCC beams. These ndings have the potential to enhance the optimization and practical application of such strengthening and repair methods in RSCC structures.