Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Panels Strengthened with Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers

Many bridges are handling heavier loads than those expected at design and require strengthening of existing members or repairing damaged members. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials have been used successfully to strengthen reinforced concrete structures. Most studies have focused on unidirectional layout of CFRP strips in high shear regions of beams. Recent shear tests on full-scale I-girders have shown that the use of bidirectional CFRP layouts with CFRP anchors led to much higher shear strength increases than when using unidirectional layouts. Small-scale panel tests have been conducted to investigate parameters that influence the performance of bidirectional CFRP layouts. Panels were tested under compressive forces that resemble compression struts that develop in the webs of I-beams. The panels were tested to investigate a number of parameters in a more efficient manner than testing full-scale girders. The panel tests provide qualitative comparisons between the influences of the parameters.