Torsion strengthening of RC beams with carbon fibre composites

This paper presents the results of an experimental and theoretical study designed to evaluate the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams subjected to torsion and strengthened with carbon fibre composites. A total of seven beams, each with the dimensions 200 x 400 x 4200 mm, were tested. Test results reveal marked increases in the torsion capacity of 38% and 40% for each series of beams. The effective axial stress of a theoretical model for bonding the carbon fibre composites is incorporated in the space truss with softening model. The predictions of this proposed model are then compared with tests results. A high degree of agreement is verified between the experimental and theoretical values. [doi: 10.1680/stco.2010.11.4.181]