Strengthening of RC beams using prestressed fiber reinforced polymers - A review

The use of steel and fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) for strengthening RC beams can significantly improve the flexural strength, fatigue life and the serviceability of the beams compared to un-strengthened beams. Prestressing materials enable the material to become more efficient since a greater portion of its tensile capacity is employed. Investigations have shown that prestressed FRPs are effective materials for strengthening deteriorated structures. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the flexural behavior of strengthened RC beams using prestressed FRPs. The review covers the near surface mounted (NSM), externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and externally post-tensioned techniques (EPT) and the corresponding advantages and disadvantages are highlighted. Anchorage systems and the effect of pre-stressing levels on the ductility, deformability and bond behavior of prestressed FRPs are also addressed. Recommendations for the future research are also presented. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.