Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility of strengthening reinforced concrete beams with epoxy-bonded Glass-Fiber-Reinforced-Plastic (GFRP) plates. The composite plate is epoxy-bonded to the tension flange of the beam to increase its stiffness and strength. Seven rectangular and one T-beam, retrofitted with composite plates, were tested to failure under symmetrical 4-point bending. The load versus deflection and the load versus strain in the composite plate, steel rebar and the extreme compression fiber of concrete were measured and plotted for the midspan section throughout the entire range of loading up to failure. Analytical models based on the equilibrium of forces and compatibility of deformations were developed to predict the stresses and deformations of the beam in the linear and nonlinear regions. The predicted and measured results correlated well. The analytical models were used in a parametric study to investigate the effects of design variables such as, plate area, plate strength and stiffness, reinforcement ratio, etc., on the moment-curvature relationships of typical rectangular and T cross sections.Type
textThesis-Reproduction (electronic)
Degree Name
M.S.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeCivil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics