The present study focuses on a prediction of crack width and load-carrying capacity of flexural reinforced concrete (RC) elements strengthened with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements. Most studies on cracking phenomena of FRP-strengthened RC structures are directed to empirical corrections of crack-spacing formula given by design norms. Contrary to the design norms, a crack model presented in this paper is based on fracture mechanics of solids and is applied for direct calculation of flexural crack parameters. At the ultimate stage of crack propagation, the load-carrying capacity of the element is achieved; therefore, it is assumed that the load-carrying capacity can be estimated according to the ultimate crack depth (directly measuring concrete's compressive zone height). An experimental program is presented to verify the accuracy of the proposed model, taking into account anchorage and initial strain effects. The proposed analytical crack model can be used for more precise predictions of flexural crack propagation and load-carrying capacity.
The paper deals with experimental and theoretical investigations in reinforced concrete structures strengthened with carbon fibre sheets. Four stages in the behaviour of concrete structures strengthened with the carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) are distinguished. A method for calculating the deflections of such structures is presented. The design procedure for defining the strength of the structures evaluates the stiffness of the contact between the carbon fibre and the concrete. Experimental investigations with different fastening methods of the CFRP to the concrete were performed. In experimental investigations deflections of the strengthened members have been examined. Results of the calculations of deflections for experimental beams according to the proposed method are presented. A comparison of experimental and theoretical deflections is presented in the paper.
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