International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 8, Issue 2, February 2017, pp. 470486 Article ID: IJCIET_08_02_049

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=2
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

STUDY OF DAMAGED RC BEAMS REPAIRED BY

BONDING OF CFRP LAMINATES
T.P. MEIKANDAAN
Research Scholar, Dept of Civil Engineering,
Bharath University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

Dr. A. RAMACHANDRA MURTHY

*Senior Scientist CSIR -Structural Engineering Research Centre
Taramani, Chennai-113, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes the results of experimental studies of damaged reinforced concrete beams
repaired by bonding of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminates to the beam.
Two sets of beams have to be test in this study: control beams (without CFRP laminates) and damaged
and then repaired beams with different amounts of CFRP laminates by varying different parameters
(damage degree, CFRP laminate width, concrete strength class).All beams have to be tested under
simply supported condition .The test has to be done under two point loading using the Universal
testing machine over a span of 1500 mm. The tests were carried out under displacement control. The
most investigated parameter in this experimental study is damage degree (ratio between pre-cracked
load and load capacity of control beam). To evaluate the strength of damaged RC beams with
externally bonded CFRP laminates have the target of this project. The experimental failure modes
are peeling off and interfacial de-bonding. These failure modes depend only on the laminate width.
Key word: Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer, Concrete Beams, Flexural Strengthening, Deflection.
Cite This Article: T.P. Meikandaan and Dr. A. Ramachandra Murthy, Study of Damaged RC Beams
Repaired by Bonding of CFRP Laminates. International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 8(2), 2017, pp. 470486.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=2

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General
The maintenance, rehabilitation and upgrading of structural members, is perhaps one of the most crucial
problems in civil engineering applications. Moreover, a large number of structures constructed in the past
using the older design codes in different parts of the world are structurally unsafe according to the new design
codes. Since replacement of such deficient elements of structures incurs a huge amount of public money and
time, strengthening has become the acceptable way of improving their load carrying capacity and extending

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 T.P. Meikandaan and Dr. A. Ramachandra Murthy

their service lives. Infrastructure decay caused by premature deterioration of buildings and structures has led
to the investigation of several processes for repairing or strengthening purposes. One of the challenges in
strengthening of concrete structures is selection of a strengthening method that will enhance the strength and
serviceability of the structure while addressing limitations such as constructability, building operations, and
budget. Structural strengthening may be required due to many different situations.
The majority of structural strengthening involves improving the ability of the structural element
to safely resist one or more of the following internal forces caused by loading: flexure, shear, axial, and
torsion. Strengthening is accomplished by either reducing the magnitude of these forces or by enhancing
the member's resistance to them. Typical strengthening techniques such as section enlargement,
externally bonded reinforcement, post-tensioning, and supplemental supports may be used to achieve
improved strength and serviceability.
Strengthening systems can improve the resistance of the existing structure to internal forces in either a
passive or active manner. Passive strengthening systems are typically engaged only when additional
loads, beyond those existing at the time of installation, are applied to the structure. Bonding steel plates or
fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites on the structural members are examples of passive
strengthening systems. Active strengthening systems typically engage the structure instantaneously and
may be accomplished by introducing external forces to the member that counteract the effects of internal
forces. Examples of this include the use of external post-tensioning systems or by jacking the member to
relieve or transfer existing load. Whether passive or active, the main challenge is to achieve composite
behavior between the existing structure and the new strengthening elements.

1.2. Strengthening using FRP composites

Only a few years ago, the construction market started to use FRP for structural reinforcement, generally
in combination with other construction materials such as wood, steel, and concrete. FRPs exhibit several
improved properties, such as high strength-weight ratio, high stiffness-weight ratio, flexibility in design,
non-corrosiveness, high fatigue strength, and ease of application. The use of FRP sheets or plates bonded
to concrete beams has been studied by several researchers. Strengthening with adhesive bonded fiber
reinforced polymers has been established as an effective method applicable to many types of concrete
structures such as columns, beams, slabs, and walls. Because the FRP materials are non-corrosive, non-
magnetic, and resistant to various types of chemicals, they are increasingly being used for external
reinforcement of existing concrete structures. From the past studies conducted it has been shown that
externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) can be used to enhance the flexural, shear
and tensional capacity of RC beams. Due to the flexible nature and ease of handling and application,
combined with high tensile strength-weight ratio and stiffness, the flexible glass fiber sheets are found
to be highly effective for strengthening of RC beams. The use of fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) for the
rehabilitation of existing concrete structures has grown very rapidly over the last few years. Research has
shown that FRP can be used very efficiently in strengthening the concrete beams weak in flexure,
shear and torsion. Unfortunately, the current Indian concrete design standards (IS Codes) do not include
any provisions for the flexural, shear and tensional strengthening of structural members with FRP
materials. This lack of design standards led to the formation of partnerships between the research
community and industry to investigate and to promote the use of FRP in the flexural, shear and tensional
rehabilitation of existing structures. FRP is a composite material generally consisting of high strength carbon,
aramid, or glass fibers in a polymeric matrix (e.g., thermosetting resin) where the fibers are the main load
carrying element.

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 Study of Damaged RC Beams Repaired by Bonding of CFRP Laminates

1.3 Aim
The major aim of the project is to study the behavior of damaged R.C beams repaired by bonding of CFRP
laminated so that to obtain best procedures for strengthening of R.C.C. beams using CFRP laminates. To
improve the load carrying capacity of the R.C.C Beam using CFRP laminates is the aim of the project.

1.4. Objectives
The main objective of the study of the behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with CFRP
laminates. The overall aim of the paper is to investigate and improve the understanding of the behavior of
reinforced concrete beams bonding with CFRP laminates.
1. To improve the load carrying capacity of both shear deficient beams and flexural deficient beams by bonding
with CFRP laminates.
2. Deformation behavior.
3. Interface stress distribution.
4. Displacement analysis.
5. Failure modes and crack patterns.
6. To study the load deflection behavior for both shear deficient beams and flexural deficient beams which are
used in bonding with CFRP laminates
7. To study the ductility of flexural deficient beams
8. To study the effect of number of layers of CFRP laminates, which can be wrapped on both shear deficient
beams and flexural deficient beams
9. To compare the strength of various layers of CFRP laminates, which can be wrapped on beams

1.5. Scope of study

The scope of this thesis consists of experimental investigations is essential to study the shear carrying
capacity, Flexural carrying capacity and ductility of flexural beams by bonding with CFRP laminates. The
effect of increasing the number of layers of CFRP has to study. Load carrying capacity corresponding to the
number of layers of CFRP should be studied for both shear deficient beams and Flexural deficient beams.
The experimental work is divided into two stages. Stages-I is the damaging phase where the beams were
loaded to either a load 70% of the yield load or a deflection two times the deflection at yielding. Stage-II is
the laminates phase where these damaged beams were repaired with varying amounts of layer bonded in
CFRP laminates externally bonded to the beams tension face and tested to failure.
Previously ,the damaged reinforced concrete structures such as beams was done by removing and
replacing the low quality or damaged concrete or /and steel reinforcement with new and stronger material.
However with the introduction of new advanced composite materials such as fiber reinforced Polymer
Composites, concrete members can now be easily and effectively strengthened using externally bonded FRP
composites. Although the fibers and resins used in FRP Systems are relatively expensive compared with
traditional strengthening materials, labour and equipment costs to install FRP systems are often lower.

1.6. Type of FRP

Three types of fiber reinforced polymers are mainly used for strengthening of existing structures.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)
Aramid Reinforced Fiber Polymer (AFRP)

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Although FRP composites are expensive and more susceptible to physical damage than steel, they have
become an attractive substitute for steel in strengthening systems for concrete structures due to their many
advantages: high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance, high fatigue resistance, easy and reliable
surface preparation, reduced mechanical fixing, durability of strengthening system and reduced construction
period.

1.7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Composite Strengthening

1.7.1. Advantages
Fiber composite strengthening materials have higher ultimate strength and lower density than steel. The
lower weight makes handling and installation significantly easier than steel. This is particularly important
when installing material in cramped locations. Work on soffits of bridges and building floor slabs can
often be carried out from man-access platforms rather than full scaffolding. Steel plate requires heavy
lifting gear and must be held in place while the adhesive gains strength. Bolts must be fitted through the
steel plate into the parent concrete to support the plate while the adhesive cures and to reduce the effects
of peeling at the ends. On the other hand, the application of FRP plate or sheet material has been likened
to applying wallpaper; once it has been rolled on carefully to remove entrapped air and excess adhesive
it may be left unsupported. In general, no bolts are required; in fact, the use of bolts would seriously weaken
the material unless additional cover plates are bonded on. Furthermore, because there is no need to drill
into the structure to fix bolts or other mechanical anchors there is no risk of damaging the existing
reinforcement. Fiber composite materials are available in very long lengths while steel plate is
generally limited to 6 m. The availability of long lengths and the flexibility of the material also simplify
installation:
Laps and joints are not required.
The material can take up irregularities in the shape of the concrete surface.
The material can follow a curved profile; steel plate would have to be pre-bent to the required radius.
The material can be readily installed behind existing services.
Overlapping, required when strengthening in two directions, is not a problem because the material is
thin.
The materials fibers and resins are durable if correctly specified, and require little maintenance. If
they are damaged in service, it is relatively simple to repair them, by adding an additional layer. The use of
fiber composites does not significantly increase the weight of the structure or the dimensions of the member.
The latter may be particularly important for bridges and other structures with limited headroom and for
tunnels. In terms of environmental impact and sustainability, studies have shown that the energy required
to produce FRP materials is less than that for conventional materials. Because of their light weight, the
transport of FRP materials has minimal environmental impact. This is particularly important for bridges
because of the high costs of lane closures and possession times on major highways and railway lines.

1.7.2. Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of externally strengthening structures with fiber composite materials is the risk of
fire, vandalism or accidental damage, unless the strengthening is protected. A particular concern for
bridges over roads is the risk of soffit reinforcement being hit by over-height vehicles. However,
strengthening using plates is generally provided to carry additional live load and the ability of the un-
strengthened structure to carry its own self-weight is unimpaired. Damage to the plate strengthening
material only reduces the overall factor of safety and is unlikely to lead to collapse. Experience of the long-

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 Study of Damaged RC Beams Repaired by Bonding of CFRP Laminates

term durability of fiber composites is not yet available. This may be a disadvantage for structures for which
a very long design life is required but can be overcome by appropriate monitoring.
A perceived disadvantage of using FRP for strengthening is the relatively high cost of the materials.
However, comparisons should be made on the basis of the complete strengthening exercise; in certain
cases the costs can be less than that of steel plate bonding. A disadvantage in the eyes of many clients will
be the lack of experience of the techniques and suitably qualified staff to carry out the work. Finally, a
significant disadvantage is the lack of accepted design standards.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. General
This section introduces some of the background and applications of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) plates
used as an externally bonded strengthening method for reinforced concrete beams and slender reinforced
concrete columns. Fiber Reinforced Placed or Polymeric (FRP) composites are defined, in a most generic
way, as a polymeric matrix that is reinforced with strong stiff fibers. Unidirectional FRP sheets, plates, or
laminates are made of Carbon (CFRP), Glass (GFRP) or Aramid (AFRP) fibers bonded together with a
polymer matrix (e.g. epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester). A laminate is made by stacking one or a number of
thin layers of fibers and matrix and consolidating them into the desired thickness. Among existing FRP
laminates, CFRPs offer the highest potential as a replacement of steel in typical strengthening applications,
because of their combine properties of very high strength, high stiffness, outstanding fatigue performance,
and little sensitivity to stress-rupture with time.

2.2. Summary of Literature

From the above literature review it is observed the following results. Shear failure occurs usually without
advanced warning therefore it is desirable that beam fails in flexure than in shear. Many existing reinforced
concrete members are found to be deficient in shear strength and need to be repaired. These deficiencies
occurs due to several reasons such as insufficient shear reinforcement or reduction in steel, due to corrosion,
increased due to load and due to construction defects therefore to reduce or to minimize these deficiencies
externally bonded reinforcement such as Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer is an excellent solution in these
situation. The ultimate load carrying capacity of retrofitted flexural deficient beams was improved by 5% to
20% depending upon the number of layers and type of overlays and in the case of shear deficient beams it
varies from 2.5% to 15% depending upon the number of layers and type of overlays.

3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. General
For the current thesis, it has necessary to accomplish the following steps:
Discussions about the necessity and purpose of the project.
Preliminary information regarding literature in this domain and general aspects of the experimental work to
come.
Consulting the specific, standards and codes regarding the strengthening of RC beams with externally bonded
CFRP laminates.
Acquaintance with the activities to be performed in the laboratory: used materials, test setup, equipment, trails,
and laboratory staff.
Establishing the specific aims of the experimental study and the accompanying methodology.

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Choosing four beams for the require tests. One of the beams is used as a control beam. Two will have one
laminate attached, and the other two a pair of CFRP laminates in multiple layer. These five beams have been
casted in phase II projects.
Designing the test setup. Specifying the different loading schemes for each beam.
Acquiring the necessary thesis material ( CFRP laminates, epoxy primer and adhesive, stain gauges, etc.,)
Painting and marking the beams for the experiments.
Preparing the surfaces and applying the epoxy primer on the specimens.
Cutting the necessary length and applying the CFRP laminates with epoxy adhesive on the tension face of the
four pre-cracked beams. The resin is left to cure for one week.
Preparing the test beams for instrumentation. Putting the stain gauges on the top and bottom of the retrofitted
beams.
Preparing the test setup (actuator and supports). Moving on beam at a time, on the final position for testing.
Putting the rest of the necessary sensors into position.
Connecting the equipment to a data acquisitioning system.
Running the test and recording all the available data by means of sensors, photos and cameras.
Running the same test procedures with the other beams.
Processing and analyzing the experimental data.
Evaluation of the results and conclusion.

3.2. Materials and Test Results

3.2.1. Concrete
Concrete is a construction material composed of Portland pozzolana Cement and water combined with
sand, gravel, and crushed stone. The cement and water form are a paste which hardens by chemical reaction
into a strong. The inert materials are called aggregates, and for economy no more cement paste is used than
is necessary to coat all the aggregate surfaces and fill all the voids. The concrete paste is plastic and easily
molded into any form or trowel to produce a smooth surface. Hardening begins immediately, but
precautions are taken, usually by covering, to avoid rapid loss of moisture since the presence of water is
necessary to continue the chemical reaction and increase the strength. Too much water, however,
produces a concrete that is more porous and weaker. The quality of the paste formed by the cement and
water largely determines the character of the concrete.
For concrete, the maximum aggregate size used 20 mm. Nominal concrete mix of 1:1.6:2.75 by weight is
used to achieve the strength of 20 N/mm2. The water cement ratio 0.5 is used. Three cube specimens were cast
and tested at the time of beam test (at the age of 28 days) to determine the compressive strength of concrete.
The average compressive strength of the concrete was 31N/mm2.

3.2.2. Cement
Cement is a material, generally in powder form, that can be made into a paste usually by the addition of water
and, when molded or poured, will set into a solid mass. Numerous organic compounds used for adhering, or
fastening materials, are called cements, but these are classified as adhesives, and the term cement alone
means a construction material. The most widely used of the construction cements is Portland pozzolana
cement. It is a bluish-gray powder obtained by finely grinding the clinker made by strongly heating an
intimate mixture of calcareous and argillaceous minerals. Conforming to IS 8112:1989 was used. The

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physical properties of cement obtained as per IS 269/4831 and the requirements as per 4031-1989. The
specific gravity of cement is 3.15.

3.2.3 Fine aggregate

Locally available clean river sand obtained from Kaveri river bed. Fine aggregate / sand is an accumulation
of grains of mineral matter derived from the disintegration of rocks. It is distinguished from gravel only
by the size of the grains or particles, but is distinct from clays which contain organic materials. Sands that
have been sorted out and separated from the organic material by the action of currents of water or by
winds across arid lands are generally quite uniform in size of grains. Usually commercial sand is obtained
from river beds or from sand dunes originally formed by the action of winds. Much of the earths surface
is sandy, and these sands are usually quartz and other siliceous materials. The most useful commercially
are silica sands, often above 98% pure. Beach sands usually have smooth, spherical to overlaid particles
from the abrasive action of waves and tides and are free of organic matter. The white beach sands are
largely silica but may also be of zircon, monazite, garnet, and other minerals, and are used for extracting
various elements. Sand is used for making mortar and concrete and for polishing and sandblasting. Sands
containing a little clay are used for making molds in foundries. Clear sands are employed for filtering
water. Sand is sold by the cubic yard (0.76 m3) or ton (0.91 metric ton) but is always shipped by weight.
The weight varies from 1,538 to 1,842 kg/m3, depending on the composition and size of grain.
Construction sand is not shipped great distances, and the quality of sands used for this purpose varies
according to local supply. Standard sand is silica sand used in making concrete and cement tests. The fine
aggregate was passing through 4.75 mm sieve and had a specific gravity of 2.60. The grading zone of
fine aggregate was zone III as per Indian Standard specifications. As 64.0% retained on 600 micron sieve,
according to IS 383-1970 confirms Zone-III.

3.2.4. Coarse aggregate

Coarse aggregate are the crushed stone is used for making concrete. The commercial stone is quarried,
crushed, and graded. Much of the crushed stone used is granite, limestone, and trap rock. Graded crushed
stone usually consists of only one kind of rock and is broken with sharp edges. The maximum size of coarse
aggregate was 20 mm and specific gravity of 2.65. Granite is a coarse-grained, igneous rock having an even
texture and consisting largely of quartz and feldspar with often small amounts of mica and other
minerals. Crushed stone with a maximum size of 20mm was used as the aggregates. The results of sieve
analysis and properties of coarse aggregates are given in tables 4.4 The sieve analysis of coarse aggregates
conforms to well graded an aggregate as per the specifications of IS 383: 1970.The density is 2,723
kg/m3,and the crushing strength 158 to 220 MPa.

3.2.5. Water
Water fit for drinking is generally considered fit for making concrete. Water should be free from acids,
oils, alkalis, vegetables or other organic Impurities. Soft waters also produce weaker concrete. Water has
two functions in a concrete mix. Firstly, it reacts chemically with the cement to form a cement paste in
which the inert aggregates are held in suspension until the cement paste has hardened. Secondly, it serves
as a vehicle or lubricant in the mixture of fine aggregates and cement.

3.2.6. Reinforcement
The longitudinal reinforcements used were high-yield strength deformed bars of 8mm diameter. The stirrups
were made from mild steel bars with 6 mm diameter. The yield strength of steel reinforcements used Fe415
steel bar with 8mm diameter in this experimental program was determined by performing the standard

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tensile test on the three specimens of each bar. The average proof stress at 0.2 % strain of 8 mm bars
was 415 N/mm2 and that of 6 mm bars was 240 N/mm2.

3.2.7. Carbon fibers

Carbon fiber is the most expensive of the more common reinforcements, but in space applications the
combination of excellent performance characteristics coupled with light weight make it indispensable
reinforcement with cost being of secondary importance. Carbon fibers consist of small crystallite of
turbostratic graphite. These resemble graphite single crystals except that the layer planes are not packed
in a regular fashion along the c-axis direction. In a graphite single crystal the carbon atoms in a basal
plane are arranged in hexagonal arrays and held together by strong covalent bonds. Between the basal
planes only weak Van-der-waal forces exist. Therefore the single crystals are highly anisotropic with the
plane module of the order of 100 GPa whereas the molecules perpendicular to the basal plane are only
about 75 GPa. It is thus evident that to produce high modulus and high strength fibers, the basal planes
of the graphite must be parallel to the fiber axis. They have lower thermal expansion coefficients than both
the glass and aramid fibers. The carbon fiber is an anisotropic material, and its transverse modulus is an
order of magnitude less than its longitudinal modulus. The material has a very high fatigue and creep
resistance. Since its tensile strength decreases with increasing modulus, its strain at rupture will also
are much lower. Because of the material brittleness at higher modulus, it becomes critical in joint and
connection details, which can have high stress concentrations. As a result of this phenomenon, carbon
composite laminates are more effective with adhesive bonding that eliminates mechanical fasteners.

3.2.8. CFRP laminates

Unidirectional CFRP laminates (each of 1.2mm thickness) used for the strengthening purposes of the beams
and they were cut from the SikaCarbodur S1012/160 (2008) rolled laminate. The CFRP composite laminate
was tested in the laboratory to get the tensile strength, yield strength, modulus of elasticity and the percentage
of ultimate elongation until at failure.

3.2.9. Epoxy Adhesive

There is number of companies on the market offering adhesives which are potentially suitable for use with
CFRP laminates. Most of these adhesive are organic polymers (epoxy resins). The following characteristics
are considered essential for heavy duty structural adhesive.
Strong adhesive to bonded elements.
Strong cohesion.
Little tendency to creep under load.
Good resistance against humidity and alkalinity.
Epoxy resin adhesive possess dense cross links and meet the above requirements very well.
The main producers of CFRP laminates provide proprietary adhesive, which together with the FRP materials
create the system. The application of a specific type of adhesive depends on working conditions (temperature,
moisture). The diversity of adhesive offer by the main producers of the sheets is as follows.
Tonen Corporation (most diversified)
Mitsubishi
Sika Corporation (least diversified)
The Sikadur 30 epoxy resin is a thixotropic adhesive mortar, based on a two-component solvent free
epoxy resin. The mixing ratio was 3:1 of Component a (resin) and Component B (hardener) by weight. The

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elastic modulus, tensile strength, and shear strength as provided by the manufacturer are 11.7 GPa, 24.8 MPa,
and 15 MPa, respectively.

3.2.10. Mix Design Summary

In nominal mix concrete, properties of ingredients are not considered and same is limited up-to M20 grade
only. For present work, Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) was used in nominal and design mixed M20 grade
concrete and required angular aggregate and zone III river sand, nominal mix concrete (1.0 : 1.60: 2.75) was
prepared. Density and cement content of fresh concrete were 2217.00 kg/m3 and 413 kg/m3 respectively.

4. EXPERIMENTAL SETUP AND TESTING

4.1. Experimental study
The experimental study consists of casting of two sets of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. In SET I three
beams weak in flexure were casted, out of which one is controlled beam and other two beams were
strengthened using continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets in flexure. In SET II three
beams weak in shear were casted, out of which one is the controlled beam and other two beams were
strengthened by using continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets in shear. The
strengthening of the beams is done with varying configuration and layers of CFRP laminates. Experimental
data on load, deflection and failure modes of each of the beams were obtained. The change in load carrying
capacity and failure mode of the beams are investigated as the amount and configuration of CFRP laminate
are altered. The following chapter describes in detail the experimental study.

4.2. Form work

Fresh concrete, being plastic requires some kind of form work to mold it to the required shape and also to
hold it till it sets. The form work has, therefore, got to be suitably designed. It should be strong enough to
take the dead load and live load, during construction and also it must be rigid enough so mat any bulging,
twisting or sagging due to the load if minimized, Wooden beams, mild steel sheets, wood, and several other
materials can also be used. Formwork should be capable of supporting safely all vertical and lateral loads
that might be applied to it until such loads can be supported by the ground, the concrete structure, or other
construction with adequate strength and stability. Dead loads on formwork consist of the weight of the forms
and the weight of and pressures from freshly placed concrete. Live loads include weights of workers,
equipment, material storage, and runways, and accelerating and braking forces from buggies and other
placement equipment. Impact from concrete placement also should be considered in formwork design.

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4.3. Mixing of Concrete

Mixing of concrete should be done thoroughly to ensure that concrete of uniform quantity is obtained.
Hand mixing is done in small works, while machine mixing is done for all big and important works.
Although a machine generally does the mixing, hand mixing sometimes may be necessary. A clean surface
is needed for this purpose, such as a clean, even, paved surface or a wood platform having tight joints to
prevent paste loss. Moisten the surface and level the platform, spread cement over the sand, and then
spread the coarse aggregate over the cement. Use either a hoe or a square-pointed D-handled shovel to mix
the materials. Turn the dry materials at least three times until the color of the mixture is uniform. Add
water slowly while you turn the mixture again at least three times, or until you obtain the proper consistency.
Usually 10% extra cement is added in case of hand mixing to account for inadequacy in mixing.
All specimens were compacted by using needle vibrator for good compaction of concrete. Sufficient
care was taken to avoid displacement of the reinforcement cage inside the form work. Finally the surface of
the concrete was leveled and finished and smoothened by metal trowel and wooden float.

4.4. Casting of RC Beams

Two sets of beams were casted for this experimental test program. In SET I three beam (F1, F2 and F3)
for control beam were casted using same grade of concrete and reinforcement detailing. In SET II three
beams (F11, F12 and F13) weak in flexure were casted using same grade of concrete and reinforcement
detailing. The dimensions of all the specimens are identical. The cross sectional dimensions of the both the
set of beams is 100mm by 200 mm and length is 1500. The main bars 8 mm are provided as the main
longitudinal reinforcement and 6 mm bars as stirrups at a spacing of 200 mm center to center for shear
and 150 mm center to center for flexural.

4.5. Testing procedure

Before testing the member was checked dimensionally, and a detailed visual inspection made with all
information carefully recorded. After setting and reading all gauges, the load was increased incrementally
up to the calculated working load, with loads and deflections recorded at each stage. Loads will then

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normally be increased again in similar increments up to failure, with deflection gauges replaced by a
suitably mounted scale as failure approaches. This is necessary to avoid damage to gauges, and although
accuracy is reduced, the deflections at this stage will usually be large and easily measured from a
distance. Similarly, cracking and manual strain observations must be suspended as failure approaches
unless special safety precautions are taken. If it is essential that precise deflection readings are taken
up to collapse. Cracking and failure mode was checked visually, and a load/deflection plot was prepared.

Two Point Load setting Deflection Reading (LVDT) Electrical Load Cell

Crack pattern for flexure at 70% of pre loading

CFRP Laminate sheet fixing with Sika Resin

4.6. Strengthening of Beams

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer will be wrapped by means of bottom full -wrapping of the beam length of
specimen. Out of the 6 specimens, 3 specimens will be used as control specimen for flexure and 3 specimens
will be used for wrapping before wrapping the has been tested for pre-loading at 70% of ultimate load again
the same 70% pre-loading beam can be wrapped for flexure cracking.

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 T.P. Meikandaan and Dr. A. Ramachandra Murthy

Before bonding the composite fabric onto the concrete surface, the required region of concrete surface
was made rough using a coarse sand paper texture and cleaned with an air blower to remove all dirt and
debris. Once the surface was prepared to the required standard, the epoxy resin was mixed in accordance
with manufacturers instructions. Mixing was carried out in a plastic container (Araldite LY 556 - 100
parts by weight and Hardener HY 951 - 8 parts by weight) and was continued until the mixture was in
uniform colour. When this was completed and the fabrics had been cut to size, the epoxy resin was applied
to the concrete surface.
The composite fabric was then placed on top of epoxy resin coating and the resin was squeezed
through the roving of the fabric with the roller. Air bubbles entrapped at the epoxy/concrete or
epoxy/fabric interface were to be eliminated. Then the second layer of the epoxy resin was applied and
CFRP sheet was then placed on top of epoxy resin coating and the resin was squeezed through the roving
of the fabric with the roller and the above process was repeated. During hardening of the epoxy, a
constant uniform pressure was applied on the composite fabric surface in order to extrude the excess epoxy
resin and to ensure good contact between the epoxy, the concrete and the fabric. This operation was carried
out at room temperature. Concrete beams strengthened with glass fiber fabric were cured for 24 hours at
room temperature before testing.

4.7. Assumption
The following assumptions are made in calculating the flexural resistance of a section strengthened with an
externally applied FRP system:
1. Design calculations are based on the actual dimensions, internal reinforcing steel arrangement, and material
properties of the existing member being strengthened;
2. The strains in the reinforcement and concrete are directly proportional to the distance from the neutral axis,
that is, a plane section before loading remains plan after loading;
3. There is no relative slip between external FRP reinforcement and the concrete;
4. The shear deformation within the adhesive layer is neglected since the adhesive layer is very thin with
slight variations in its thickness;
5. The maximum usable compressive strain in the concrete is 0.003;
6. The tensile strength of concrete is neglected; and
7. The FRP reinforcement has a linear elastic stress-strain relationship to failure.

5. RESULTS
5.1. Control beam
The control beam F1, F2 and F3 of SET I beams which were weak in flexure but strong in shear. In beam F1
strengthening was not done. Two point static loading was done on the beam and at the each increment of the
load, deflection at the left (LVDT1), right (LVDT2) dial gauges were taken. Using this load and deflection
of data, load vs deflection curve is plotted bellow graphs. At the load of 20 KN initial cracks started coming
on the beams. Further with increase in loading propagation of the cracks took place. The beam F1, F2, and
F3 failed completely in flexure at the ultimate load 60 KN, 59KN, 59KN.

5.2. Wrapping beam

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer will be wrapped by means of bottom full -wrapping of the beam length of
specimen. Out of the 6 specimens, 3 specimens will be used as control specimen for flexure and 3 specimens
will be wrapped for flexure cracking with single layers. Using this load and deflection of data, load vs
deflection curve is plotted above graphs. At the loading time the initial cracks are not visible. Further with

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 Study of Damaged RC Beams Repaired by Bonding of CFRP Laminates

increase in loading propagation of the cracks took place. The beam F11, F12, and F13 failed completely in
flexure with CFRP laminate sheets finally the ultimate load is noted 60 KN, 59KN, 59KN

5.3. Ultimate Load Carrying Capacity

The load carrying capacity of the control beams and the strengthen beams were found out and is shown
in fig. 8.7 and 8.8. The control beams were loaded up to their ultimate loads. It was noted that of all the
beams, the strengthen beams F11, F12 and F13had the higher load carrying capacity compared to the
controlled beams F1, F2 and F3.An important character to be noticed about the usage of CFRP sheets
is the high ductile behavior of the beams. But the ductile behavior obtained by the use of CFRP can
give us enough warning before the ultimate failure. The use of FRP can delay the initial cracks and further
development of the cracks in the beam.
SET I beams F1, F2 and F3 were loaded under two point static loading. As the load was increased
incrementally development of cracks takes place and ultimately the beam failed. The ultimate load of control
beam was 59 KN which is lower than wrapped beam which carried an ultimate load of 69 KN.

5.4. Crack Pattern

The crack patterns at collapse for the tested beams of SET I and SET II are shown in Fig. 8.1 to 8.6. In
SET I the controlled beam F1, F2 and F3 exhibited widely spaced and lesser number of cracks
compared to strengthened beams F2 and F3. The strengthened beams F11, F12 and F13 have also shown
cracks at relatively close spacing. This shows the enhanced concrete confinement due to the CFRP
strengthening. This composite action has resulted in shifting of failure mode from flexural failure (steel
yielding) in case of strengthened beams F1, F2 and F3. The deboning of CFRP sheet has taken place due to
flexural-shear cracks by giving cracking sound. A crack normally initiates in the vertical direction and as
the load increases it moves in inclined direction due to the combined effect of shear and flexure. If the load
is increased further, cracks propagate to top and the beam splits. This type of failure is called flexure-shear
failure.

5.5. Comparison of Results

The results of the two set of beams tested are shown in Table 8.2. The failure mode, load at initial crack
and ultimate load of the control beams without strengthening and the beams strengthen with single layers
CFRP sheet are presented. The difficulties inherent to the understanding of strengthen structural member
behavior subjected to flexure and shears have not allowed developing a rigorous theoretical design
approach. The complexity of the problem has then made necessary an extensive experimental research.
Moment of resistance of the SET I beams was calculated analytically and was compared with the
obtained experimental results

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 T.P. Meikandaan and Dr. A. Ramachandra Murthy

Load at
Beam Ultimate
Sr.No Type of Beam initial crack Nature of failure
designation Load (KN)
(KN)
F1 20 60
1 Control Beams F2 20 59 Flexural failure
F3 15 59
F11 20 42
Pre Loading 70% of Ultimate
2 F12 20 42
Beams load failure
F13 20 42
CFRP Flexural
F11 Not Visible 65
failure
3 CFRP Wrapping F12 Not Visible 69
F13 Not Visible 69

Comparison of Analytical study and Experiment study results

Type of Beam From analytical study From experimental study

Control beam 4.27 KN-m 16.22 KN-m

Wrapping beam 7.10 KN-m 18.97 KN-m

Load Vs Deflection Curve for Contrl Beam # F3

70.0

60.0

50.0
load in kn

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0
0.0 2.0 4.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 20.0

deflection in mm

LVDT1 in mm LVDT2 in mm Linear (LVDT1 in mm) Linear (LVDT2 in mm)

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 Study of Damaged RC Beams Repaired by Bonding of CFRP Laminates

Load Vs Deflection Curve @ 70% Loaded beam using CFRP

Wrapping Beam # F13
80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0
load in kn

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

0.0
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0

deflection in mm
LVDT1 in mm LVDT2 in mm Linear (LVDT1 in mm) Linear (LVDT2 in mm)

6. CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental investigation the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened by
CFRP sheets are studied. Two sets of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, in SET I three beams for control
beams weak in flexure and in SET II three beams damaged beams strengthened by CFRP laminated sheets.
From the test results and calculated strength values, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. Initial flexural cracks appear at a higher load by strengthening the beam at soffit.
2. The ultimate load carrying capacity of the strengthened beam is 17 % more than the controlled beam.
3. Analytical analysis is also carried out to find the ultimate moment carrying capacity and compared with the
experimental results. It was found that analytical analysis predicts lower value than the experimental
findings.
4. When the beam is not strengthen, it failed in flexure but after strengthening the beam in flexure, then
flexure-shear failure of the beam takes place which is more dangerous than the flexural failure of the
beam as it does not give much warning before failure. Therefore it is recommended to check the shear
strength of the beam and carry out shear strengthening along with flexural strengthening if required.
5. Flexural strengthening up to the neutral axis of the beam increases the ultimate load carrying capacity, but
the cracks developed were not visible up to a higher load. Due to invisibility of the initial cracks, it gives
less warning compared to the beams strengthen only at the soffit of the beam.
6. By strengthening up to the neutral axis of the beam, increase in the ultimate load carrying capacity of the
beam is not significant and cost involvement is almost three times compared to the beam strengthen by CFRP
sheet at the bottom only.
7. Use of FRP laminate improves load carrying capacity; delays crack formation and energy absorption capability
of beam reinforced with FRP laminates.
8. The 70% damage degree beams increases load carrying capacity 17% when strengthened with 100 mm width
and 1.2mm thick of CFRP sheet in single layer as compared with control beam

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