Strengthening of reinforced concrete structures

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of strengthening of reinforced concrete structures. Structural elements are normally designed to suit the various types of loadings. However many civil structural elements, reinforced concrete beams as an example are often required to be upgraded or strengthened due to increased load requirements. In this paper, strengthening by using sprayed concrete, ferrocement, steel plate and fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), and the methods of applying these materials are reviewed. Experimental results of three beam specimens that were carried out by the authors are also reported to evaluate the behaviour of strengthened reinforced concrete beams. The experimental results showed that strengthened beams using steel plate and FRP had higher failure load compared to un-strengthened beam. Results also indicated that FRP laminate was more effective in increasing the beam strength compared to steel plate.