Enhancement of RC Beam Flexural Capacity with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Fabrics

In this experimental investigation, CFRP fabrics are wrapped around RC beams to improve their flexural strength. The wrapped beams are then subjected to a two-point loading process, and the following test results, including ultimate load capacity and flexural strength of the wrapped beams, are compared with those of the control beam. A total of 9 RC beams were used in the investigational work, and the beam dimensions are 200 x 250 x 2000mm. The casting work includes three control beams (CB), three beams wrapped in CFRP fabric in the base (BCFRPFB), and three beams wrapped in CFRP fabric in the base and along the two longer sides of the beams that were outwardly bonded with epoxy resin (BCFRPFBS). Experimental analysis was performed to study the outcome of CFRP fabrics on beams with the flexural strength, ultimate load capacity, stress-strain curves and load-deflection relationship. Results show that the average ultimate load capacity of the beam wrapped with CFRP fabrics on the base & along two longer sides is 94% higher than that of the control beam and 27% higher than that of the beam wrapped with CFRP fabrics on the base of the beam.