Strengthening of shear deficient RC T-beams with externally bonded GFRP sheets

• Enhancement of the shear capacity of RC T-beams by the use of bi-directional GFRP inclined strips.
• Strengthening on the webs with GFRP leading to debonding with premature failure.
• Efficiency of the GFRP U-wrap with the mechanical anchorage system over the other schemes of FRP strengthening.
• Works on potential use of FRP strengthening RC T-beams with web openings are scanty.

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the performance of RC T-beams strengthened in shear using epoxy bonded bi-directional GFRP fabrics. A total of 12 beams were cast and tested under four-point bending. Test parameters included GFRP amount and distribution, bonded surface, number of layers and fiber direction. In the present research work, the strengthening the beams in shear have been carried out by using mechanically anchored bonded GFRP sheets. The experimental findings of tested beams with and without openings demonstrate that this method eliminates the debonding and utilises the GFRP sheets to its fullest capacity, thus increasing the shear capacity considerably.