Strengthening of GFRP Reinforced Concrete Slabs with Openings

Abstract

Using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) could effectively improve the strength and endurance of reinforced concrete (RC) constructions. This study evaluated the flexural behavior of oneway concrete slabs with openings reinforced with glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP) bars. It strengthened using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets around the openings. The experimental program of this study is adopted by casting and testing four oneway concrete slabs with dimensions of (150*750*2650) mm. These slabs are divided into two groups based on whether they were strengthened or un-strengthened. For each group, two different openings (either one rectangular or two square) measured 250*500 mm and 250*250 mm, respectively, were fabricated within the pure flexural zone of the specimens. The experimental results indicate that using CFRP strips increases the maximum load capacity by around 29% for the slab with one rectangular opening and 21% for the slab with two square openings compared to the un-strengthened slabs. On the other hand, the deflection at a service load is decreased by about 35% and 37% for the slabs mentioned above, respectively.