Design for repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete beam structures using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)

Abstract

Composite materials made from high molecular weight fibers and polymers , commonly known as Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) , have emerged as a modern alternative to traditional materials in the repair and restoration of damaged structures. FRP materials are characterized by their lightweight nature, excellent corrosion resistance and extremely high tensile strength. They come in a variety of forms, from thin factory-made sheets to dry fiber fabrics that can be wrapped around the shape of structural members and then impregnated with a polymer-based binder. The relatively thin profile of cured FRP layers makes them particularly suitable for applications where aesthetic considerations are required in concrete structures. This paper presents a method for designing reinforced concrete beam structures in civil construction works using FRP panels. This method is applied and evaluated through a case study at a project of a Trade Center, Supermarket and Product Exhibition Complex in Hoang Mai District, Hanoi.