Experimental study on strengthening of R.C beam using glass fibre reinforced composite

This paper reports the influence of number of layers and length of GFRP sheets wrapped onto RCC beams for strengthening. Twelve beams of size 700mm x 150mm x 150mm were cast and tested. Two beams without GFRP and ten beams wrapped in different lay-up patterns with one and two layers of GFRP sheets was subjected to three point loading test and ultrasonic pulse velocity test. Initial crack load, ultimate failure load and types of failure have been observed and noted. Experimental results indicate a significant increase in initial and ultimate load carrying capacity of GFRP wrapped beams compared to unwrapped beams. The failed control specimen was retrofitted using U wrap scheme and tested under three point loading.