EVALUATION OF CONFINING EFFECTS OF CFRP SHEETS ON REINFORCED CONCRETE MEMBERS

Three types of specimens were tested to experimentally evaluate confining effects of CFRP sheets mainly on bond splitting failure. First, compressive tests were conducted for twenty-seven cylinder specimens with different amounts of confinement to measure the stress-strain relations. The compressive strength and axial strain at maximum stress increased with increasing both the amount and the tensile strength of the CFRP sheet. Second, twenty-two Schmidt-Thro type specimens were tested to examine confining effects on the bond splitting behavior. The confinements raised the bond strength and the slip displacement capacity of an embedded deformed steel bar by suppressing side splitting failure. Finally, three beam specimens were tested to examine the confining effects on a structural member. The confinement suppressed the bond splitting failure and raised the load carrying capacity. Test results of beam specimens were examined by applying theoretical predictions based on the cylinder compression tests and the Schmidt-Thro type tests.