Prestressed fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates for the strengthening of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

The strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with prestressed fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates has been investigated by researchers due to major improvements in serviceability characteristics. Despite an increasing use of this technique, current analytical models generally employ mostly empirical procedures in predicting beam behaviour and as a result the analytical results exhibit poor correlation to experimental findings. The purpose of this paper is to outline an integrated method of flexural analysis to determine the flexural behaviour of RC beams externally bonded with prestressed FRP laminates. The incorporation of rigid body displacement (RBD) analysis and shear friction theory, as developed at the University of Adelaide, allows for model output to be in the form of moment-rotation and load-deflection curves. Theoretical results are compared to experimental findings as published in recent literature, allowing for suitable model calibration to be made. Various modes governing failure are considered, namely; FRP rupture and debonding, showing good agreement with experimental findings and therefore validating the model.