Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete beams with and without CFRP wrapping

Abstract

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations on six reinforced concrete beams, with three different shear span-to-depth ratios, which were tested under two-point loading. The aim of the work was to study the efficacy of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips in enhancing shear capacity and/or changing the failure mode from brittle shear failure to ductile flexural failure. The results of the study indicate that while there is a marginal increase in first crack and ultimate loads, it is possible to achieve a change in the failure mode, and the monitored strain gauge data can be used to explain the failure pattern observed.