Research progress on the fatigue performance of RC beams strengthened in flexure using Fiber Reinforced Polymers

A comprehensive literature review on the fatigue performance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams strengthened using Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) reinforcement is presented in this paper. Fatigue behavior of RC beams strengthened using FRP is a complicated topic due to the involvement of many variables such as, load limits, testing frequency, number of cycles, and concrete composition. Thus, a proper understanding of the fundamental fatigue characteristics of concrete, steel, and FRP materials would allow better understanding of the overall composite behavior when subjected to fatigue loading. In this paper, the fatigue properties of the constituent materials are reviewed. The recent development and the research progress are also presented and categorized based on the rationale of fatigue load application. The effects of pre-damage and environmental exposure on the fatigue behavior are also discussed. Recommendations for future research are presented.