Reinforcement of concrete structures using externally bonded composite materials

Abstract A series of reinforced concrete beams tested to determine the ability of externally bonded composite reinforcement to improve the beams' flexural and shear capacity. The composite used was a unidirectional carbon-fiber-reinforced tow-sheet. The towsheets were bonded to the beams using a two-part resin and allowed to cure at ambient temperature without confining pressure. To study the effect of the composite reinforcement, variations in the number of layers applied, as well as the fiber orientation, were made.