Experimental Study on Effect of CFRP Sheathing on the Behaviour of RCC Beams with Opening

Provision of openings in reinforced concrete beams is normally required to provide essential services. Most likely, the circular openings are provided to pass through service pipes, such as plumbing, whereas air conditioning ducts are generally rectangular in shape. These beams have two main benefits namely reduction of self-weight and accommodation of service line. The present study deals with the trials conducted on a total of seven different types of beams (each type three numbers) that included one solid control beam, three beams without Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP sheathing and three beams with CFRP sheathing for rectangular, rounded rectangular and elliptical openings. The outcome of ultimate strength of the beam with opening and supported by CFRP sheathing is highlighted in this paper. From the load vs deflection curve, it can be understood that beams sheathed with CFRP behave similar to that of reference/control solid beam (SB). On an average 7% of concrete can be saved by providing opening in beam, which will ultimately reduce its weight and load on foundation.