Strengthening of RC Slabs with Symmetric Openings Using GFRP Composite Beams

• Main Authors: Yeol Choi, Ik Hyun Park, Sang Goo Kang, Chang-Geun Cho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2013-12-01
• Series: Polymers
• Subjects: RC slab; RC-strengthening; GFRP composite beam; crack pattern; failure mode
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/5/4/1352

This paper describes the results of experimental testing of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite beam strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) slabs with two symmetrical openings. Specimens, one-half scale, have been designed and fabricated to reflect the most common RC bathroom slab used in school buildings. The specimen had dimensions of 2000 mm (width) × 150 mm (thickness) × 3000 mm (length) were used with the two openings of 300 mm × 400 mm. The aim of this study is to investigate the most effective strengthening method using GFRP composite beams in slabs with openings for enhancing the load-carrying capacity and stiffness. Test results showed that the strengthened slabs seems to increase the load-carrying capacity by 29%, 21% and 12% over that of the control specimen for diagonal, parallel and surround strengthening respectively. Furthermore, test results showed that the diagonal-strengthened system is one of the most effective methods for strengthening an RC slab with openings in terms of load-carrying capacity, stiffness and crack patterns.