Strengthening and Retrofitting of Reinforced Concrete Beam by Using Composite Materials

The strength and flexural behavior of RCC beams strengthened and retrofitted with glass fiber sheet (GFRP) and carbon fiber sheet (CFRP) with two layers of jacketing, were investigated experimentally. For strengthening and retrofitting, we created two RCC beam groups were tested under single point load. One group of beams was evaluated in their natural state and use for retrofitting, while another group was examined for strengthened with FRP. A vacuum bagging machine was used to airtight bond and beams are tested under loading frame; deflection is monitoring by LVDT. In the result of 2 methods, retrofitted beams have a large load caring capacity as compare to strengthened beams. The experimental results indicated jacketing beams with CFRP got greater strength and less deflection as compare with control beam and jacketing beam with GFRP in both the methods. Jacketed beams with FRP sheets have less cracks and fiber damage is also negligible.