Low strength T-cross section RC beams shear-strengthened by NSM technique

Abstract

In 2003 a research program started with the aim of developing design guidelines for the shear strengthening of T cross section reinforced concrete (RC) beams using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates applied according to the Near Surface Mounted (NSM) technique. The previous series of tested beams were mainly conceived to appraise the influence of parameters such as percentage and orientation of laminates. The occurrence of a failure mode consisting in the separation of the strengthened cover of the web lateral faces, prompted the authors to further in-vestigate the influence of the concrete mechanical properties. The series described in the present work comprehends ten beams characterized by low strength concrete. The main results are presented and analyzed also by comparison with those regarding a previous series characterized by the same test set-up and higher concrete strength.