Shape Design and Performance Evaluation of FRP Box-type Stiffener For the Application of RC Structure

This paper presents the design, fabrication and performance of a reinforced concrete beam strengthened by GFRP box plate and its possibility for structural rehabilitations. The load capacity, ductility and failure mode of reinforced concrete structures strengthened by FRP box plate were investigated and compared with traditional FRP plate strengthening method. This is intended to assess the feasibility of using FRP box plate for repair and strengthening of damaged RC beams. A series of four-point bending tests were conducted on RC beams with or without strengthening FRP systems the influence of concrete cover thickness on the performance of overall stiffness of the structure. The parameters obtained by the experimental studies were the stiffness, strength, crack width and pattern, failure mode, respectively. The test yielded complete load-deflection curves from which the increase in load capacity and the failure mode was evaluated.