Characterization of reinforced concrete beams strengthened by steel reinforced polymer and grout (SRP and SRG) composites

The use of externally bonded steel reinforced polymer (SRP) and steel reinforced grout (SRG) is a promising new technology for increasing flexural, compressive, and shear capacities of reinforced concrete (RC) members. The flexural performance of RC beams with externally bonded SRP and SRG has been investigated experimentally using four-point bending. The material constants for single-ply SRP and SRG were experimentally determined from coupon tensile tests and torsion tests. Analytical models based on the first-order and higher-order shear deformation theories have been developed to predict the behavior of the retrofitted RC beams. Comparisons between the analytical models and the experimental results show a good correlation for the midspan deflection until the reinforcing steel reaches the plastic region.