Experimental and numerical analysis of RC two-way slabs strengthened with NSM CFRP rods

The use of near surface mounted (NSM) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) is a promising technology for increasing flexural strength of reinforced concrete (RC) members. This paper deals with strengthening of RC two-way slabs with NSM carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) rods. The first part describes an experimental investigation conducted on RC two-way slabs strengthened with NSM CFRP rods. Test results show that the NSM technique improves the bearing capacity of RC two-way slabs. A comparison with a test results on RC tow-way slab strengthened with externally bounded (EB) strips is also presented. In the second part, a 2D finite element model for orthotropic plates is used to describe elastic behaviour of RC slabs strengthened with NSM CFRP rods. Elastic behaviour is compared to numerical prediction.