Static and dynamic behaviour of RC beam model strengthened by CFRP-sheets

The aim of this paper is to analyse the static and dynamic behaviour of RC beams strengthened by CFRP-sheets after damage by cracking. An experimental program has been developed considering RC beam models with or without strengthening by CFRP-sheets on the tensile zone subjected both to static and dynamic tests. The tests on the RC beam models were repeated under different conditions to evaluate the structural responses during the life of RC beams. The experimental results by static tests are compared with the data obtained by theoretical model. The static behaviour of RC beams strengthened by CFRP-sheets is described up to failure. Finally, theoretical estimates variations in frequency values are compared with the data obtained by experimental dynamic tests. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.