ABSTRACT

Strengthening of reinforced concrete members using near-surface mounted CFRP technique is today a well-accepted technique that is becoming popular among designers and contractors [1]. In this technique, slots are cut into the surface of structural member and CFRP strips are bonded into the grooves with an adhesive (epoxy resin). This technique is often able to mobilize a greater proportion of the strength of the FRP because of superior bond characteristics that help to prevent debonding failures. The influence of the reinforcing ratio [ACFRP/ASteel] on the cracking behavior of reinforced concrete members strengthened with near-surface mounted has not been sufficiently investigated [2][3]. Ten uniaxial tensile tests are carried out. Three specimens without CFRP strips are used as reference specimens, and seven specimens are strengthened with CFRP strips. The influence of the reinforcement ratio [ACFRP/ ASteel] and the type of load [static and cyclic] on the crack width, crack spacing of RC members

strengthened with near-surface mounted CFRP strips is studied.