Structural upgrading of RC beams using composite overlays

This paper describes the development and validation of a new design approach for strengthening of structural concrete beams using physically connected concrete overlays. The test results of the present experimental programme showed that each of the strengthened beams acted as a single unit and failed in a flexural ductile manner. The measured extra strength reached up to 154% of the capacity of the existing beams. The proposed approach not only enhances the flexural capacity and ductility but most important prevents the occurrence of brittle sheer failures reported with other strengthening techniques. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.