Authors :
Manan Nileshbhai Rokad; Dr. Minakshi Vaghani
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/ycxbek2t
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun190
Note : A published paper may take 4-5
working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and
ResearchGate.
Abstract :
The rehabilitation and strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have become essential due to aging, increased service loads, deterioration, and environmental effects. This study investigates the structural behavior of RC beams strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and Steel Mesh with Epoxy and Mortar (SME&M). Experimental testing was conducted using a Universal Testing Machine under monotonic loading conditions. Control beams and strengthened beams were evaluated based on load-carrying capacity, load-deflection response, crack propagation, stiffness, and failure behavior. Different strengthening configurations including CFRP crack-area wrapping, full U-wrap, 45° wrapping, 90° wrapping, and steel mesh strengthening were investigated. Results indicated that CFRP significantly enhanced flexural and shear performance, delayed crack formation, and increased ultimate load capacity. CFRP at 45° orientation showed the highest load resistance among all specimens. Steel mesh with epoxy and mortar improved ductility and provided a cost-effective strengthening solution. The findings demonstrate that CFRP and SME&M are effective retrofitting systems for upgrading existing RC beams and extending their service life.
Keywords :
CFRP, RC Beam, Retrofitting, Strengthening, Steel Mesh, Epoxy, Load Deflection.
References :
- ACI Committee 440, “Guide for the Design and Construction of Externally Bonded FRP Systems for Strengthening Concrete Structures,” ACI 440.2R.
- IS 456:2000, Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice, BIS.
- IRC:112-2020, Code of Practice for Concrete Road Bridges.
- fib Bulletin 14, Externally Bonded FRP Reinforcement for RC Structures.
- W. Mansour et al., “Strengthening of RC Beams Using CFRP Composites,” Construction and Building Materials.
- S. K. Shaw et al., “Experimental Investigation on CFRP Strengthened Concrete Members,” Elsevier.
- J. Q. Yang et al., “Performance of CFRP Strengthened RC Structures,” Composite Structures.
- TR55, Design Guidance for Strengthening Concrete Structures Using FRP Materials, Concrete Society, UK.
The rehabilitation and strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures have become essential due to aging, increased service loads, deterioration, and environmental effects. This study investigates the structural behavior of RC beams strengthened using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets and Steel Mesh with Epoxy and Mortar (SME&M). Experimental testing was conducted using a Universal Testing Machine under monotonic loading conditions. Control beams and strengthened beams were evaluated based on load-carrying capacity, load-deflection response, crack propagation, stiffness, and failure behavior. Different strengthening configurations including CFRP crack-area wrapping, full U-wrap, 45° wrapping, 90° wrapping, and steel mesh strengthening were investigated. Results indicated that CFRP significantly enhanced flexural and shear performance, delayed crack formation, and increased ultimate load capacity. CFRP at 45° orientation showed the highest load resistance among all specimens. Steel mesh with epoxy and mortar improved ductility and provided a cost-effective strengthening solution. The findings demonstrate that CFRP and SME&M are effective retrofitting systems for upgrading existing RC beams and extending their service life.
Keywords :
CFRP, RC Beam, Retrofitting, Strengthening, Steel Mesh, Epoxy, Load Deflection.
