Cracking behaviour of RC beams externally strengthened with emerging materials

This paper presents some experimental results about cracking phenomena of reinforced concrete beams externally strengthened with bonded composite materials. Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) laminates or steel (SRP) tapes have been used. Comparisons with analytical results in terms of cracks width and crack spacing are reported using an analytical model developed by the authors, taking into account the non-linear behaviour of materials and bond laws. Comparisons at service condition with code formulas are also reported.