Abstract:
This paper reports the results of eight two-span continuous reinforced concrete (RC) beams
strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites that were tested to failure. Various
strengthening arrangements were investigated, with the serviceability and strength limit states being carefully
monitored. Crack propagation, deflections, and strains on the internal steel reinforcing bars, CFRP, and concrete,
are reported. A novel pseudo plastic hinge concept that can be used to predict the behaviour of strengthened
continuous beams up to failure, which correlates well with experimental results, is presented. The redistribution
of internal forces is analyzed with this analytical procedure and the effectiveness of the various strengthening
schemes with regards to strength, ductility and deformability is discussed. The strengthened beams display
suitable deformability and ductility with the CFRP restraining the excessive opening of cracks.
