Flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete beams with anchored CFRP laminates

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) composites have a proven strength enhancement capability when attached to reinforced concrete (RC) slabs and beams. However, FRP materials are naturally brittle and usually de-bond from the concrete interfaces before reaching their full tensile strength. This largely sacrifices the full load-carrying capacity of members externally bonded with FRP laminates. This talk highlights the positive outcomes of an experimental investigation on the effect of using large anchors, specifically, anchors with a diameter of more than 14 mm on the performance of FRP-strengthened RC beams. This technique will make our structures more sustainable and increase the time of their service.