Pseudo-Ductile Hybrid FRP Sheet for Strengthening Reinforced Concrete Beams

Use of both carbon fiber (CF) and glass fiber (GF) at the same time to strengthen existing flexural members was exploited. Using a proper volumetric GF / CF ratio, the CF can rupture first followed by subsequent rupture of GF at higher stress and strain showing a pseudo-ductile behavior. A theoretical study indicated that the ratio is 4.62 : 1 and higher where the pseudoductile effect can be shown. Flexural tests of plain concrete beams strengthened using fibers were first carried out. Hybrid FRP sheet using 8.8 : 1 ratio was then fabricated and the sheet was used to strengthen reinforced concrete beams. The RC beams strengthened using 1-ply and 2-ply hybrid sheets both revealed increased strength over a non-strengthened beam and ductile flexural behavior. A comparable beam strengthened using CF also showed increased strength but with limited ductility.