Development of design specifications for strengthening deteriorated concrete bridge elements using FRP sheets

Abstract

This paper reviews available experimental and theoretical studies on the debonding in RC beams reinforced with CFRP plates. The end debonding failure mode and intermediate crack-induced debonding failure mode were studied. The review compared sets of experimental databases assembled from the literature to several theoretical and empirical models that had been developed to predict the failure load in RC beams reinforced with FRP. A statistical analysis of the results provided input for the calibration of partial safety factors to be used in the strengthening of concrete bridges. Different types of reinforced and postensioned concrete bridges were considered to cover the most common structural systems. Bridges with different span lengths and cross sectional shapes with varying deterioration levels were analyzed. A Monte Carlo simulation procedure was used to calibrate safety factors for designing CFRP strengthened beams that would achieve a target reliability index equal to 3,5 for a design life of 50 years.