The effect of aramid fibre reinforced polymer composites for strengthening RC beams

Abstract

Fibre Reinforced Polymer is a new type of reinforced material that can be produced by using fibres and resins. It is an effective and economical material used for repair of new and existing structures in construction. This type of composite materials also have good mechanical properties such as impact resistance, strength, stiffness, flexibility and load carrying ability. Use of FRP for confinement has proved to be effective which is classified into two types retrofitting and strengthening. This study is determining the potential of aramid FRP composites in strengthening of RC beams. Mechanical characteristics of Aramid Fibre Reinforced Polymer (AFRP) confined concrete specimens can be analysed by conducting compression, split tension and flexural tests. Shear strength of AFRP wrapped RC beam was also taken into account. From the experimental results it is evidenced that the beams wrapped with AFRP possess better strength than the unconfined beams in both wrapping of single and double plies.