Strengthening RC T-Beams Subjected to Combined Torsion and Shear Using FRP Fabrics: Experimental Study

In several cases of loading and geometrical configurations, flexure beams, and girders are subjected to combined shear and torsion. Failure of a structural element under combined shear and torsion is brittle in nature. Externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) fabrics are currently being studied and used for the rehabilitation, repair, and retrofit of concrete structure. The objective of this study is to investigate the strengthening techniques for T-beams subjected to combined shear and torsion. Six half-scale beams-two control specimen and four strengthened beams-were constructed and tested using a specially designed test setup that subjects the beam to combined shear and torsion with different ratios. Four strengthening techniques using carbon FRPs were tested. The experimental results were reported and analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed strengthening techniques. An innovative strengthening technique namely the extended U-jacket showed promising results in terms of strength and ductility while being quite feasible for strengthening. Future areas of research are being outlined.