This paper presents results from experiments on aged and seriously damaged reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with different arrangements of external carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and end anchorages. Seven RC beams from an old bridge, measuring 250 × 200 × 2300 mm, were tested. All specimens were loaded to yield load to evaluate initial mechanical properties. Then, these seriously damaged specimens were repaired using different CFRP-reinforcing schemes and reloaded to failure. The yield load growth due to CFRP reinforcement ranged from 5% to 36%. Different parameters including CFRP dimension and position, bonding length, and end anchorage were investigated and facilitated conclusions on beam ductility, load-midspan deflection response, and failure mode. This research contributes to knowledge about the CFRP repair of aged and seriously damaged beams to ensure better performance in overloaded conditions.
We report test results from an experimental study to investigate the effectiveness of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) against reinforcing steel bar corrosion. Twelve reinforced-concrete pile specimens of 180 mm square by 1,600 mm long were cast. Three pile specimens were corroded to 5% steel mass loss and then strengthened with CFRP sheets; four specimens were strengthened by using CFRP sheets, whereas the remaining five specimens were not strengthened. The specimens were placed in a simulated marine environment, and corrosion was induced by an impressed current technique. At different theoretical corrosion degrees, nondestructive tests were performed to investigate the corrosion activity of the pile specimens, and destructive tests were performed to determine reinforcing steel bar mass loss. Based on the findings, the effectiveness of the CFRP-strengthened RC piles under aggressive marine environmental conditions was established.
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