CFRP strengthening of continuous RC T-beams at hogging moment zone across the flange

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer ( CFRP) laminates are used widely either for repairing or strengthening of existing structures. When CFRP laminates are used for strengthening of RC continuous T-beams in the Hogging Moment Zone (HMZ); above and around the intermediate supports, it is important to study the expected positions of the laminates across the width of the beam flange. Although, it is traditional to consider CFRP laminates added above the beam web, this is not practical since walls and columns are located in such positions in general. This paper examines the effect of changing the positions of CFRP laminates used for the strengthening of the hogging moment zone across the beam flange of two-span-T-section beams. The Finite Element (FE) Package ANSYS is used to create 3-D theoretical models needed for the study. It can be concluded that changing the position of CFRP strengthening across the beam flange, in the hogging moment zone, is effective upon the overall behavior. The best locations are either above the web or at the flange just beside the web, due to the presence of walls and/or columns.