Flexural behaviour of lightweight RC beams strengthened by NSM GFRP bars

• Main Authors: Al-Thairy, Haitham, Youssef, Anees Jassim
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Diameters; Failure modes; Fiber reinforced polymers; Glass fiber reinforced plastics; Lightweight; Reinforced concrete; Ultimate loads
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0160157

This paper presents an experimental study on the flexural behavior of lightweight reinforced concrete (LWRC) beams strengthened in flexure by NSM glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars. Seven LWRC beam specimens have been considered in the experimental tests, with a cross section dimension of 160 mm ×250 mm and a total length of 1700 mm. One LWRC beam specimen is unstrengthen and represented the control specimen, whereas the other six beams were flexurally strengthened by different numbers and configurations of NSM GFRP. The main parameters investigated in the experimental are the location, number, diameter, bond length, and material of the NSM bars used in the strengthening of the LWRC beams. All LWRC beams are subject to two point loads until failure. The load-displacement curves, crack patterns, and failure modes are all monitored, recorded, and evaluated in this study. Results have shown an increase in the ultimate load of the strengthened beams by 6.7% to 30% compared with the control beam. The experimental results have also shown that the bending capacity of the beams flexibly strengthened by NSM GFRP bars has significantly improved.