Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Adoption for Structural Rehabilitation

Flexural strengthening is essential when structures face increased loads or usage changes, requiring localized reinforcement. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) are widely used for repairing deteriorating concrete elements, notably boosting their flexural and shear strength and prolonging their lifespan. However, CFRP applications may encounter challenges like delamination. Therefore, it is important to select a good product and adhesive to enhance the performance of the fiber. The purpose of this study is to propose proper composite strengthening for a reinforced concrete structure to increase its flexural and shear capacity. A case study of a small office building in Italy is selected and one sectional frame consisting of six beams is studied. The first step in this process is to assess the moment and shear forces due to the initial loads based on the existing longitudinal and shear reinforcement. Then, the moment and shear forces due to the upgraded loads are calculated using SAP 2000 to determine if flexural strengthening is needed for any of the six beams being analyzed to avoid ductile failure of the steel rebars and brittle failure of the concrete. The use of CFRP showed positive results in terms of structural rehabilitation for the building, particularly when subjected to elevated loads. This not only contributes to the building's overall safety but also extends its service life, making it a valuable and sustainable solution for structural enhancement in the face of varying load conditions.