Experimental study of RC deep beams with opening and FRP composites installed by means of EBR and EBROG methods

Deep concrete beams are the structural members that have different behaviors compared with normal beams. The high depth of these beams has made them favorable for placing the openings, which results in decreased load bearing capacity. This study utilizes the CFRP sheets to compensate the weakness arisen from the created openings. To this end, 10 deep beams with 10 x 50 x 120 cm dimensions, each having one or two circular openings with 20 cm diameter placed in both symmetrical and asymmetrical order, are constructed and undergone a three-point monotonic bending. The Externally Bounded Reinforcement (EBR) and Externally Bounded Reinforcement On Grooves (EBROG) methods have been utilized to install the FRP sheets in three configurations being wrapped around, vertical, and inclined. The results have shown the superiority of EBROG method as well as the efficiency of the inclined orientation of strengthening sheets in increasing the load bearing capacity. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd.