Hybrid CFRP‐GFRP sheets for flexural strengthening of continuous RC beams: Experimentation and analytical modeling

Abstract

Continuous reinforced concrete (RC) beams cast in place are commonly used in construction; however, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding the performance of continuous RC beams strengthened with fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. Strengthening RC beams with FRP sheets typically leads to reduced ductility and moment redistribution capacity due to the linear stress–strain behavior of FRP materials compared to non‐strengthened RC beams. Addressing this gap, this study explores the feasibility of enhancing the mechanical properties and ductility of strengthened elements through a hybrid approach, combining carbon‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) sheets. An experimental program was conducted, retrofitting two continuous two‐span RC beams (250 × 150 × 6000 mm) with hybrid CFRP‐GFRP (HCG) sheets. Concentrated loads were applied at the center of each span, and comprehensive data on strains in FRP sheets, longitudinal reinforcements, and crack propagation patterns were recorded and meticulously analyzed. The outcomes demonstrated that employing HCG sheets for strengthening RC continuous beams significantly improves ductility, load‐carrying capacity, and moment redistribution, surpassing the performance of beams strengthened with either CFRP or GFRP sheets. To ensure accurate predictions of the flexural response, an analytical model was developed and rigorously verified using the experimental results. The model takes into account the strain compatibility condition and provides insights into the behavior of continuous RC beams strengthened with CFRP, GFRP, and HCG sheets. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the understanding of FRP sheet strengthening techniques, emphasizing the efficacy of HCG sheets for achieving enhanced structural performance in continuous RC beams.