COMPOSITE STRENGTHENING SOLUTIONS FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE LOAD BEARING ELEMENTS

Abstract

The results of a complex research and development program relating to the use of fiber reinforced polymeric composite strengthening solutions carried out at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Building Services Iasi, are presented in this paper. The program has included the conceiving of the structural rehabilitation systems, the detailing and experimental testing of some solutions applied to reinforced concrete beams, slabs and columns (with circular and square cross-section). An efficient use of the component materials to improve the structural performance of the studied reinforced concrete element has been the main target of the research program. The main benefits resulted from the research program refer to the increase of the load capacities, the improvement of the structural response of all strengthened elements and a better control of the failure modes