EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF CENTERALLY OPENNED TWOWAY SLABS STRENGTHENED WITH CARBON FIBER LAMINATES

Abstract

This study is an experimental investigation of the behavior of two-way simply supported RC flat slabs with centered circular, rectangular, and square openings. Four models were tested to failure, consisting of a reference model without opening, and three models with an opening and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates applied to the tension face of the models. The results revealed that externally bonded CFRP laminates significantly increased both the overall stiffness and flexural capacity of the models p r o v i d e d with an opening. CFRP anchoring method can further increase the performance of the strengthening scheme used. Experimental load-deflection curves and failure modes are discussed.