Behavior of reinforced concrete inverted T-girders with hollow webs strengthened by CFRP sheets in flexure

This study investigates the flexural enhancement of hollow web-reinforced concrete inverted T-girders (HWITG(s)) using carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets, a less explored area. Focusing on non-ductile failure mechanisms, it experimented on four CFRP-retrofitted HWITG(s), noting a 21% increase in flexural strength, improved displacement ductility, and higher load capacities. The girders achieved displacement ductility levels up to 4, demonstrating CFRP’s effectiveness in mitigating brittle failures and its suitability for structural reinforcement. This research contributes to design guidelines in concrete engineering, highlighting CFRP’s role in sustainable, durable infrastructure. Additionally, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) via ABAQUS/CAE 2019 was employed for simulating beam behavior, offering detailed insights into complex structural dynamics, thereby supporting the potential of advanced composites like CFRP in promoting sustainable engineering practiceFurther research is advocated to verify these results on full-scale models and under various environmental conditions, which will be crucial for integrating CFRP reinforcement into mainstream construction codes and practices. The study’s implications for the future of structural design are significant, indicating that such reinforcement techniques can be key to achieving sustainable and resilient urban infrastructures.