Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures: Using Externally-Bonded FRP Composites in Structural and Civil Engineering

The in situ rehabilitation or upgrading of reinforced concrete members using bonded steel plates is an effective, convenient, and economic method of improving structural performance. However, disadvantages inherent in the use of steel have stimulated research into using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) material in its place, with the goal of providing a non-corrosive, more versatile strengthening system. Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures presents a detailed study of the flexural strengthening of reinforced and prestressed concrete members using FRP composite plates. This book covers short and long term performance through model and full-scale experimental testing plus theoretical and numerical considerations. It discusses previous investigative and site work undertaken to strengthen concrete beams using steel bonded pates and the pros and cons of using the steel and composite plate materials. It also presents case histories of construction members upgraded or strengthened using carbon fibre/polymer matrix composite materials bonded to the structural unit.A consortium of academic and industrial researchers provided much of the data and contributed the chapters to this volume. The research and trial tests were undertaken as part of the United Kingdom's ROBUST project. Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures serves to disseminate the large amount of information that resulted from these studies. As detailed in this book, their results will serve to help generate and formulate design specifications as engineers continue to apply these important techniques to an ever-widening range of applications.