EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON RECTANGULAR OPENING IN BEAMS

Abstract: This article presents a comprehensive overview of research conducted on the behavior of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams containing various types of openings. Over the last forty years, extensive investigations have been carried out to assess the structural integrity of different types of beams, including simply supported, continuous, and T-beams with large rectangular openings, subjected to torsion, bending, and shear forces. More recently, there has been a growing trend in utilizing Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) as an external reinforcement system to enhance and refurbish concrete structures. FRP is commonly employed as an external reinforcement method for the repair and retrofitting of damaged reinforced concrete components. However, there has been limited research on the application of FRP laminates as external reinforcement specifically around openings. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is a prevalent choice for external reinforcement to meet the strength requirements associated with flexural and shear forces in structural systems.

Keywords: Reinforced Concrete Beam, strengthening of rcc beam, CFRP, Beam Openings, Retrofitting.