Use of CFRP to Strengthen Splices and Provide Continuity in Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

Strengthening techniques using CFRP materials have been investigated for improving the capacity of lapped splices and to provide continuity of reinforcement in existing reinforced concrete structures in seismic regions. CFRP offers advantages because the strengthened elements do not change shape or appearance. The difficulties in using CFRP are associated with the limited force transfer that can be developed between the CFRP and the concrete element through adhesion. CFRP anchors transfer forces from CFRP sheets mounted on the concrete surface to the core of the concrete element. Anchors have been used to strengthen spices in rectangular elements or to strengthen beams at column supports where moment reversals cannot be developed because reinforcement details in codes at the time of construction did not require continuity of both top and bottom reinforcement.