Development of hybrid composite plate (HCP) for the repair and strengthening of RC elements

Abstract

Hybrid Composite Plates (HCPs) made of a Strain Hardening Cementitious Composite (SHCC) and reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) materials are developed by taking the synergetic advantages of SHCC and CFRP for the retrofitting of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Thanks to the high ductile character of SHCC, this prefabricated plate can be attached to the substrate using a combination of adhesive and chemical anchors to assure an effective transference of forces between these elements, leading to a high mobilization of the tensile capacity of the CFRP. This paper reports the most relevant results of a series of experimental tests performed to assess the effectiveness of this innovative technique for the repair/strengthening of RC elements. Enhancements obtained in both shear and flexural capacity of strengthened RC beams, in shear capacity of a repaired RC beam, as well as in the repair of a severely damaged interior RC beam-column joint, have demonstrated the high effectiveness of this technique.