Efficiency of EB CFRP composites for flexural strengthening of continuous RC beams: A comparative study with NSM CFRP rods

This paper presents an experimental study of the use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites to strengthen two-span reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Six large-scale beams were strengthened in hogging and sagging regions according to the external bonding (EB) technique and then statically tested to investigate the impact of the CFRP position , CFRP form , CFRP layers , and weight of carbon fibers on the flexural performance of continuous beams. The experimental results of the strengthened beams were carefully studied in terms of load carrying capacity, failure modes, cracking patterns, moment redistribution, and reinforcement strain and compared with the results of an unstrengthened control beam. The efficiency of the EB technique in strengthening continuous RC beams was assessed through a comparative study with the near surface mounted (NSM) technique. For this purpose, another two beam specimens strengthened with NSM-CFRP bars were considered. Based on the experimental results, a general improvement in the flexural performance of strengthened beams was observed. By applying the EB-CFRP composites, the yield and ultimate load capacity could be improved up to 59.1% and 49.8% respectively. The results also showed that increasing the carbon fiber weight was found to be effective in improving the strength capacity of beams and it may use as an alternative to multiple sheet layers ... Comparisons regarding the global flexural performance allow confirming the higher efficiency of the NSM system in comparison to the EB one.