Response of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Strengthened with CFRP

Seven reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, with dimensions of 2440×600×125 mm, were designed and modeled utilizing the nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA) method. The modeled specimens were equipped with several strengthening configurations, aiming at exploring the impact of the strengthening technique on the RC slabs, particularly those not adequately reinforced. The attained NLFEA’s results explicitly affirmed that carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials to strengthen the poorly-strengthened RC slabs far improved the slabs’ flexural strength capacity and decreased the ductility, as well. It was found that this impact was more apparent when the number of CFRP strips was raised. That was so evident from the obtained response curves of load-deflection and load-strain. This study findings have concluded that using the CFRP laminates to strengthen the RC slabs is considered highly advantageous as long it enhances the slab’s flexural capacity without affecting the mode of failure. © 2020 School of Science, IHU. All rights reserved.