Strengthening of Concrete Structures using Steel Wire Reinforced Polymer

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with a new material for external reinforcement: Steel Wire Reinforced Polymer (SWRP). It consists of thin high-strength steel fibres embedded in a polymer laminate. This innovative material combines the advantages of steel plates and CFRP, which are already used today. The material cost of SWRP is relatively low, and the laminate is quite flexible. In the feasibility part, the practical use of SWRP is studied. Further, the available design model for externally bonded reinforcement for concrete elements is confronted with the results of an experimental program, carried out at the Reyntjens Laboratory of KULeuven. The model is adapted accordingly.