Retrofitting of two-way RC slabs with and without cut-out openings by using FRP composite materials

The paper presents some aspects regarding a research program that studies the behavior of reinforced concrete slabs retrofitted by using Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites. Theoretical and experimental investigations are being performed in order to determine the effectiveness of these strengthening solutions. The particular case of cut-outs created in the corners and on the edges of the slabs is of interest. preliminary section of the experimental program involves tests on four reinforced concrete slabs. The elements are large scale ones, having dimensions of 2650×3950×120 mm. The first element is a full slab, while in each of the other three elements a different shape of cut-out is created. The slabs are tested in horizontal position, being simply supported along all of the edges and loaded gravitationally. Before being retrofitted, all of the elements are tested up to a certain stage. Afterwards, a combined retrofitting solution that involves the use of both externally bonded and near surface mounted reinforcement techniques is applied. After allowing materials to cure, the slabs are retested up to failure. In this paper, the results obtained on the full slab (without any cut-out openings), are presented.