Experimental studies on strengthening of RC Beams with openings by CFRP Laminates – A Review

Abstract: This paper presents the review of studies performed to investigate the behaviour of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams containing different types of openings. For the last 4 decades, research works involved the investigation of the member strength and development of the design approach for simply supported, continuous and T-beams containing large rectangular openings subjected to torsion, bending and shear forces. In recent years, Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) have been widely used as an external bonded reinforcement system for upgrading and retrofitting of concrete structures. FRP as externally bonded reinforcement mainly used to repair and retrofit the damaged reinforced concrete member. However, very limited studies showed the application of the FRP laminates as external reinforcement around openings. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) as an external reinforcement is used extensively to address the strength requirements related to flexure and shear in structural systems.

Keywords: CFRP laminates, opening in beams, RC beams, strengthening methods.