Experimental Investigation of Splicing Configuration for NSM FRP Strips
摘要
Near Surface Mounted (NSM) Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) has been found to be effective in strengthening reinforced concrete structures. While the use of Externally Bonded FRP in the form of fabric and plates is well established, there are knowledge gaps in the use of NSM FRP. One limitation in the use of NSM FRP is the lack of guidance on splicing the FRP strips or rods. This may be required due to access or construction limitations as well as when strengthening long spans. The ability to splice the NSM FRP allows the retrofit construction to be carried out in stages. There are currently no experimental studies on the optimal splice configuration for NSM FRP strips or rods. The current study evaluated three splice configurations by performing flexural tests on reinforced concrete beams strengthened with NSM Carbon FRP (CFRP) strips. Failure loads, displacements, and strains are presented along with the failure mode. The results are compared with a control unstrengthened beam as well as a control NSM CFRP strengthened beam that is unspliced. Two of the three splicing configurations successfully matched the strength of the unspliced NSM CFRP strengthened beam.