Numerical and experimental analysis of two-way slabs strengthened with CFRP strips

This paper deals with strengthening of RC (reinforced concrete) two-way slabs with CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) strips bonded to the tensile face. The first part describes a FEM (finite element) development. A 2-D finite element for orthotropic composite plates is used to describe elastic behaviour of RC slabs strengthened with CFRP strips. In the second part an experimental investigation is conducted on RC two-way slabs strengthened with CFRP. Finally the experimental results are compared to the numerical predictions.