Strengthening of RC Arches Using FRP Composites

This paper describes a series of laboratory tests investigating the behavior of reinforced concrete shallow arches strengthened by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. In this regard, some experimental tests were performed with different arrangements of FRP bonding as a variable (only on extrados, only on intrados, on both of them, and the number of layers on each side is also different). The rectangular cross-section of the arch was 30 cm width and 10 cm height. The arch s span and height were 110 cm and 35cm, respectively. Steel reinforcement ratio (ρ) was 0.67%. The monotonic linear load was applied on extrados surface at the vault. The results showed that the intrados bonding was more effective than the extrados bonding. Furthermore, by increasing the number of layers, the ultimate strength of the arches was enhanced. Plus, by increasing the number of layers, cracking load of the arches increased.