Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Hybrid FRP Laminates

ABSTRACT

The use of composite materials for the strengthening and repair of structural elements is being increasingly used throughout the world. However, in addition to its higher cost, the greater strength of the FRP is inducing fragile behaviour at or close to failure. This fragile behaviour is not recommended for structures in seismic regions. In this sense, the aims of the present study, is to evaluate the contribution of the external reinforcement of concrete beams, reinforced by hybrid FRP laminates; which consist of the combination of one-way glass and carbon fibres as well as a bidirectional hybrid fabric glass carbon, on their performance in term of ductility, strength and mode of failure.  An experimental program on a total of ten concrete beams reinforced by various hybrid configurations of reinforcement , tested up to failure under a cyclic loading in four points bending, to determine the best combination of the strengthening scheme.