Upgrading Torsional Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Abstract

An experimental investigation is conducted on the improvement of the torsional resistance of reinforced concrete beams using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) fabric. A total of 11 beams were tested. Three beams were designated as control specimens and eight beams were strengthened by FRP wrapping of different configuration and then tested. Both glass and carbon fibers were used in the torsional resistance upgrade. Different wrapping designs were evaluated. The reinforced concrete beams were subjected to pure torsional moments. The load, twist angle of the beam, and strains were recorded. Improving the torsional resistance of reinforced concrete beams using FRP was demonstrated to be viable. The effectiveness of various wrapping configurations indicated that the fully wrapped beams performed better than using strips. The 45° orientation of the fibers ensures that the material is efficiently utilized.