Ductility of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthened reinforced concrete beams: Experimental investigation

Strength of reinforced concrete beams can easily be increased by the use of externally bonded CFRP composites. However, the mode of failure of CFRP strengthened beam is usually brittle due to tension-shear failure in the concrete substrate or bond failure near the CFRP-Concrete interface. In order to improve the ductility of CFRP strengthened concrete beams, critical variables need to be investigated. This experimental and analytical research focused on a series of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with CFRP composites to enhance the flexural capacity and ductility. The main variables were the amount of CFRP composites, the amount of longitudinal and shear reinforcement, and the effect of CFRP end diagonal anchorage system. Sixteen full-scale beams were investigated. A new design guideline was proposed according to the effects of the above-mentioned variables. The experimental and analytical results were found to be in good agreement.