STRENGTHENING EFFECTS OF CONCRETE FLEXURAL MEMBERS RETROFITTED WITH HYBRID FRP COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT

In this paper, a great emphasis is placed on developing an innovative strengthening method with hybrid fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) sheets consisting of different types of fibers. To investigate the mechanical behavior of hybrid fiber sheets, uniaxial tension test is conducted to provide basic knowledge. Then plain concrete and reinforced concrete beams strengthened with hybrid fiber sheets are tested to investigate the strengthening effect and structural behavior. In contrast with the strengthening effects with single type of continuous fiber sheets, it is found that significant enhancements can be achieved in stiffness, load-carrying capacity and ductility of the structures strengthened with hybrid fiber sheets.