Prestressed fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates for the strengthening of reinforced concrete structures - A parametric investigation

Abstract

This purpose of this paper is to investigate the parameters that greatly affect the flexural behaviour of a reinforced concrete (RC) beam strengthened with an externally bonded (EB) prestressed fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) laminate. A structural mechanics based integrated method of flexural analysis for prestressed members is applied in order to conduct an extensive parametric study to study member sectional behaviour and derive the optimal prestress level in the FRP laminate. The optimal level being the level at which no substantial increase in strength is achieved, while appropriate ductility is maintained. The parameters varied include the number of FRP laminates, laminate aspect ratio, sectional dimensions and laminate prestress level. The significant findings from this study include; (a) the identification of the parameters that greatly affect the flexural behaviour of a prestressed FRP laminated beam and (b) the determination of the optimal FRP laminate prestress level such that sectional strength is increased, while suitable ductility is maintained.