FRP Systems in Shear Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Structures

Due to their lightweight, high tensile strength, and ease to install on irregular surfaces, the use of FRP systems for the repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete structures has become an accepted practice within civil engineering community. Extensive research has been conducted on structural members to identify the improvement in their flexural and axial capacity due to FRP strengthening. However, the analytical and experimental studies on shear strengthening with FRP systems are limited. Currently, there is no widely accepted guideline available for the design of concrete structures strengthened in shear using externally bonded FRP systems. Keeping in mind the fact that the use of these strengthening methods has been hindered mostly due to lack of comprehensive design provisions, the available guidelines/specifications are reviewed and the factors that need further investigation are identified. To improve the understanding of the general mechanisms of shear strengthening techniques with externally bonded FRP systems, suggestions for further research effort are itemized and recommendations for an improved guideline are set forth.