Innovative System for Prestressing Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Strengthening with bonded prestressed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets combines the benefits of excellent durability and structural improvement in terms of serviceability and ultimate conditions. The method offers the benefits of both a prestressed system that contributes to load-carrying capacity before further deformation occurs and a bonded system that sustains a major portion of load under further deformations. This work outlines a strengthening technique that involves prestressing carbon FRP (CFRP) sheets using a new external anchorage system to directly add tension to the sheets by jacking and reacting against the concrete beam itself. Results indicate that the CFRP sheets can be effectively prestressed using the developed anchorage system.