An Experimental Study on the Structural Performance of Full Scale RC Beams Strengthened for Shear Using NSM GFRP Strips

More than ever before, there is a growing need for extending the service life of existing structures by means of retrofitting or rehabilitating given the rising scarcity and increasing costs of raw materials for reconstruction on one hand and on the other, to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases involved in the production of raw material used for construction. Strengthening of existing structures is one way through which the above predicaments can be addressed. In this experimental study full scale RC beam models of size (3000 × 150 × 175)mm of M20 grade concrete were considered to be strengthened for shear with near surface mounted (NSM) GFRP strips and understand the performance of the beam element. GFRP strips were embedded using epoxy in the grooves cut on the side faces of the beam oriented at 45° angle with respect to the beam axis and tested for single point loading. Load–deflection relationship of beam, ultimate load carrying capacity, cracking pattern and mode of failure were the findings of this experimental study.