Experimental and Parametric Investigation of Response of NSM CFRP-Strengthened RC Beams

The present investigation deals with carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) rebar manufacturing, experimental flexural and shear response of near-surface-mounted (NSM) CFRP-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams, and detailed parametric study of NSM-strengthened RC beams using Abaqus. The CFRP bars were manufactured locally using the twisting technique. Parametric study was performed by considering various key parameters which affect the strengthening of the RC beams such as a CFRP bar's orientation, geometry, intergroove separation, type of groove, cross-section area of bars, and material strength. The parametric study is based on the nonlinear finite-element modeling using Abaqus for examining the flexural and shear behavior. All beams were tested under a two-point loading system. The numerical results obtained using Abaqus are validated with the experimental results. The present study results show a significant increase in the strength of RC beams strengthened with NSM CFRP bars. Furthermore, based on this study, guidelines for realistic structural applications and optimization of the use of NSMCFRP bars are proposed. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.