Experimental Tests on FRP Shear Retrofitted RC Beams

The paper presents the results of experimental tests on two reinforced concrete beams retrofitted by means of FRP strips. Both beams have been removed from the structure of one of the older r.c. buildings in Rome, built up at the beginning of XX century. The experimental tests are carried out in the Laboratory of the Department of Structures at the University of Roma Tre. Before retrofitting, preliminary tests are performed in order to evaluate the homogeneity and the mechanical characteristics of concrete, and elastic tests (shear/bending tests) in order to evaluate the original state of the beams. After retrofitting, failure tests (shear/bending tests) on the beams togheter with compressive tests on concrete and tension tests on rebars are carried out. All performed tests demonstrate the capability of repairing and retrofitting on r.c. structures of modest quality, moreover revealing some aspects due to the fragile behaviour of carbon fibers.