TR 55: Design Guidance for Strengthening Concrete Structures Using Fibre Composite Materials — A Review

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the contents of a recent Concrete Society publication on the use of externally bonded fiber reinforced plastic materials for strengthening concrete structures. The chapter describes the background, nature, and mechanics of producing the report. Set in the context of limit state philosophy, the report provides design guidance on: flexural strengthening of beams and slabs, shear strengthening of beams and columns, flexural, and compressive strengthening of columns. Other aspects of the report, which deal with material properties and manufacture, field applications, workmanship and installation, and long-term monitoring, are summarized in the chapter as well. The chapter also outlines areas of needed research.