Shear Strengthening of Deep T-Section RC Beams with CFRP Bars

Deep T-section beams have been widely used in engineering structures due to their high bearing capacity, high construction efficiency and economic benefits, while the current beam design theory can hardly interpret reasonably the mechanical behaviors of deep beams. The performance features of the deep T-beam were investigated, involving in strain distribution and principal stress trace using experimental tests. Different near surface mounted (NSM) reinforcement schemes were proposed for deep T-beams aiming at improving the shear capacity. The results show that the behaviors of deep T-beams dissatisfy the assumption of plane cross-section, and the 'strut-and-tie' model is applicable in such structures. The reinforcement systems can significantly relieve the strain concentration, mid-span deflection and crack width in deep T-beams, consequently improving the shear capacity range from 45 to 65%. The scheme is preferential for the reinforcement of deep T-beams when the applied angles, positions and lengths of CFRP bars are optimized based on the 'strut-and-tie' model.</p>