The effects of NSM CFRP reinforcements for improving the shear capacity of RC beams

One of the most efficient technique for improving the shear strength of deteriorated RC members is bonding external carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. However, delimitation and debonding of the strengthening material frustrates to achieve the expected requirements. Near surface mounting (NSM) is a recent strengthening technique that was developed with the anticipation of obstructing the drawbacks of external CFRP usage. To demonstrate the efficiency, an experimental program was conducted to validate the effect of CFRP reinforcements on behavior and ultimate strength of shear deficient (without stirrups) reinforced concrete (RC) beams under cyclic loading. Accordingly seven of eight beams except the flexural reference were fabricated and strengthened with CFRP reinforcements with distinct CFRP reinforcement arrangements. Spacing of CFRP reinforcements, variation of CFRP reinforcement diameter and application of CFRP reinforcements were the selected variables of the experimental program. Tests results confirmed that all in all an increase in strength was seen in every specimen to which CFRP reinforcements applied with no occurrence of delamination, debonding or fracture of CFRP reinforcements. To verify the reliability, experimental results were compared with ACI-440 guideline and the proposals of De Lorenzis and Nanni.

Research highlights
► All CFRP reinforcement applications increased the strength and behavior of the shear deficient specimens in different manner.
► An increase of minimum 57% and maximum 112% in shear capacity with respect to the control beam was obtained.
► Although the cover of wrapped specimen was reduced none of the strengthened specimens were failed due to debonding.
► Wrapping worked so fine that concrete cover separation was obstructed.