Static and Fatigue Analyses of RC Beams Strengthened with CFRP Laminates

Extensive testing has shown that externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are particularly suited for improving the short-term behavior of deficient reinforced concrete beams. Accelerated fatigue tests conducted to date confirm that fatigue response is also improved. This paper describes an analytical model for simulating the static response and accelerated fatigue behavior of reinforced concrete beams strengthened with CFRP laminates. Static and fatigue calculations are carried out using a fiber section model that accounts for the nonlinear time-dependent behavior of concrete, steel yielding, and rupture of CFRP laminates. Analysis results are compared with experimental data from two sets of accelerated fatigue tests on CFRP strengthened beams and show good agreement. Cyclic fatigue causes a time-dependent redistribution of stresses, which leads to a mild increase in steel and CFRP laminate stresses as fatigue life is exhausted. Based on the findings, design considerations are suggested for the repair and/or strengthening of reinforced concrete beams using CFRP laminates.