Shear Strengthening Of Rc Beams Using Deep Embedded Bars Numerical And Experimental Investigations

Abstract

newline In the past few decades, the strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures with fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) has been accepted by international construction practice because of its high specific strength, corrosion resistance and easy installation. In response to the growing number of RC members with structural deficiencies, numerous FRP shear-strengthening solutions that are feasible, affordable, and long-lasting have been brought forward. Externally bonded (EB) sheets and near-surface mounted (NSM) bars are two techniques of shear retrofitting systems for RC beams using FRPs. However, the premature de-bonding of FRP sheets or strips in EB and NSM techniques is a significant drawback even after proper anchoring of the FRPs. Therefore, few researchers have suggested the deep embedment (DE) or embedded through section (ETS) method of retrofitting using FRP or steel bars for RC beams in order to overcome the aforementioned drawback. The literature review reveals that numerous researchers have studied the structural response of RC beams retrofitted employing EB and NSM techniques, but researches on the response of RC beams shear retrofitted with DE technique are scanty. Further, most of these investigations was done using experimental works. Moreover, a thorough knowledge from the researches of shear strengthening of RC beams employing DE-FRP bars with different parameters affecting the shear strength is very much essential. Further, the effect of different types of beams, i.e., simply supported, continuous and cantilever beams retrofitted with DE-FRP bars, on shear strength is to be studied thoroughly by the researchers for practical applications. newlineThe above information impresses the author to fill some of the above research gaps. Accordingly, the objective of the current research is to investigate numerically the structural response of simply supported, continuous and cantilever beams shear retrofitted employing DE FRP/steel bars, and to examine the efficiency DE technique over EB