Randomized trial assesses the structural performance of RC beams strengthened with a new carbon FRCM system, indicating significant enhancement in strength and durability.
Key Points
This study aims to develop and evaluate a novel FRCM system that enhances the structural performance of RC beams.
Experimental program involved flexural characterization of three UHP matrices with varied fiber compositions.
Tensile testing of UHP–FRCM coupons was conducted to assess performance metrics.
Bending tests on large RC beams strengthened with one or two layers of UHP–FRCM were performed.
The hybrid UHP matrix achieved flexural strengths over five times higher than the commercial matrix.
UHP–FRCM systems exhibited higher cracking and ultimate strengths with failure due to fabric rupture rather than debonding.
RC beams strengthened with the hybrid system showed increases in cracking, yield, and ultimate loads up to 132%, 57%, and 97% respectively.