Experimental study of RC beams strengthened with pre-stressed CFRP sheets

The technology of concrete structures strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets has been developing in China recently. There is much progress in material manufacture, design theory, construction means and so on. The basic technology system of repairing civil structures with FRP materials has been established. However, the advantage of high strength of CFRP sheets has been not used sufficiently for general technique of structures strengthened with CFRP sheets. It is indicated by existing research fruits that RC beams strengthened with pre-stressed CFRP sheets is a possible and effective method. Six RC beam tests have been finished in this paper. Various parameters have been exampled to purpose of investigating the effects of RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets, such as prestress degree, amount'of pre-stressed CFRP sheets and anchor method etc. The high-strength advantages of CFRP materials can be developed efficiently during the loading process of the RC beam strengthened with pre-stressed CFRP sheets. It is a new evolution for us to use CFRP materials to civil engineering.