Influence of the PBO-FRCM Composite Configuration on the Shear Capacity of RC Beams

Abstract

In this paper, the results of tests that will be carried out on beams strengthened in shear with polybenzoxazole fabric–reinforced cementitious matrix (PBO-FRCM) composites will be presented and compared with the results of theoretical calculations. Tests will be carried out on 12 RC T beams strengthened in shear with anchored or unanchored PBO-FRCM stirrups with different widths and spacing. Strain gauges and the digital image correlation (DIC) method will be used to measure the deformation of the composite. The mechanisms of failure of the beams will be analyzed and described. The shear capacity will be calculated based on the characteristics of the materials and the specimens used in the tests. The results of the calculations that are based on the latest standards and theoretical modeling showed that the shear capacity of the T beams with transverse steel reinforcement and anchorage were significantly underestimated. The results and differences between the experimental and analytical results will be discussed.