Publication Date

2009-01-01

Availability

Open access

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Engineering (ME)

Department

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering (Engineering)

Date of Defense

2008-11-24

First Committee Member

Antonio Nanni - Committee Chair

Second Committee Member

Brian Metrovich - Committee Member

Third Committee Member

Fabio Matta - Committee Member

Fourth Committee Member

Roberto Realfonzo - Outside Committee Member

Abstract

Recently, the use of Mechanically Fastened Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (MF-FRP) systems has emerged as a viable means for flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete members. The technique is suitable for emergency repairs where constructability and speed of installation are critical requirements. The MF-FRP system consists of pre-cured FRP laminates with enhanced longitudinal bearing strength that are attached to the concrete substrate by means of mechanical steel anchors. This research project presents an experimental investigation comprising a series of flexural tests on scaled one-way RC slabs. The test matrix includes MF-FRP strengthened specimens, a counterpart with the externally bonded (EB) FRP reinforcement, and a control specimen. The effects of fastener layout and laminate length on strength increase and failure mode were studied. It is shown that with proper selection of fastener layout the MF-FRP system results in a significant deformability and strength increase, where the latter is comparable to that attained using EB-FRP sheets. Specific gaps on the existing analytical procedures for flexural strengthening with MF-FRP systems are finally discussed.

Keywords

FRP Materials; Fasteners; Experimental Tests; Flexural Strengthening; Reinforced Concrete

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