FRCM Strengthening of Corrosion-Damaged RC Beams Subjected to Monotonic and Cyclic Loading

An experimental investigation assessed the effectiveness of carbon and polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (C-FRCM and PBO-FRCM) systems in rehabilitating reinforced concrete beams affected by corrosion of the tensile steel reinforcement. Thirteen reinforced concrete beam specimens were tested using a four-point bending setup under monotonic and cyclic loading. The FRCM strengthening of the corrosion-damaged specimens significantly increased the yield and ultimate capacity. The FRCM composites efficiency was demonstrated under cyclic loading; the restoration of the beams’ strength is maintained over the cyclic life. The FRCM strengthening systems were capable of extending the cyclic life up to five times in comparison with nonstrengthened control beam. The rehabilitated beams maintained their stiffness during the cyclic loading, indicating that FRCM-strengthening systems efficiently resist cyclic loads.