Experimental study of the performance of CFRP strengthened small scale beams after heating to high temperatures

The behaviour of FRP strengthened flexural elements is a subject of this experimental study on the effect of elevated temperatures after heating and cooling. Six groups of CFRP strengthened simply supported small scale beams were loaded prior to the heating with a point load of 1 kN and heated uniformly in loaded condition to a specified temperature of 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C, 200 °C, 250 °C or 300 °C. Once a uniform temperature was established the samples were left to cool to room temperature and tested in four point bending. Results from the deflection of the small beams, development of strain in the laminate and failure modes are presented and discussed.