Assessment of available prediction models for the strength of FRP retrofitted RC beams

A reinforced concrete beam retrofitted with fibre reinforced polymer composites (FRP) to enhance its flexural capacity can experience several failure modes, namely flexural failure, end debond and midspan debond. The mechanism of those failures and available prediction models are first identified in this paper. The models are then assessed with an up to date database of beams reported in literature together with beams tested by the authors. The study verifies that beam theory can predict flexural failure well. The credibility of several methods to predict end debond and mid-span debond is also proved. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.