Research on crack width evolution of RC beams strengthened with CFL under cyclic loads

Using carbon fiber laminate (CFL) invented by our group, we take the lead in studying the fatigue behaviors of the beams strengthened with FRP under the cyclic loads. The maximum crack width of the RC beams strengthened with CFL conforms to the law of three-stages, and the main factors which affect the fatigue crack propagation behavior was analyzed. Theoretical analyses are performed for the evolvement rule of maximum crack width of the strengthened RC beams under constant amplitude and random fatigue loads. Then, a method for calculating the propagation rule of maximum flexural crack width under fatigue loads is proposed, based on the initial crack width under static loads and the coefficient of the strain of CFL. This method can be used not only for crack width determination under constant amplitude cyclic load but also the random fatigue load. Using the method, permissive fatigue life can be estimated.