Work

Investigation of flexural repairing techniques for heat-damaged reinforced concrete T-beams using BFRP and CFRP composites: Experimental and numerical approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This research explores the performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) systems in enhancing the structural integrity of reinforced concrete (RC) T-beams exposed to elevated temperatures. A total of eight T-beams were assessed, including both unstrengthened specimens and those retrofitted using Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) and Externally Bonded (EB) strengthening approaches, employing various arrangements of CFRP and BFRP ropes and sheets. The specimens were subjected to heating at 650°C for three hours to replicate severe thermal effects. Test results showed a 20.49% average decline in flexural strength for the heat-damaged beams. Nonetheless, all strengthened specimens regained and surpassed their pre-heating load-bearing capacity, with recovery values ranging from 127.03% to 237.92%. Among the tested BFRP systems, the double-layer, low-dense sheet configuration achieved the highest strength increase (160.44%), closely aligning with the gains observed in CFRP-strengthened beams (up to 199%). Using two layers of BFRP sheets notably enhanced flexural performance compared to single-layer applications. The BFRP rope also delivered strong results, showing a 180.95% strength recovery along with improved ductility and toughness, rivaling CFRP in some cases. Analytical outcomes based on ACI 440.2R-08 corresponded well with the experimental data, though they tended to slightly underestimate ultimate strength, with deviations ranging between 1.71% and 10.54%. Overall, the results support the effective use of both CFRP and BFRP systems for restoring the strength of heat-damaged RC beams. BFRP, in particular, presents a cost-efficient solution for moderate-strengthening applications, making it suitable for projects with budgetary limitations.

Source: Composites Part C Open Access

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomc.2025.100652

Authors: Mu’tasim Abdel-Jaber, Rawand Al-Nsour, Sondos AlManaseer, Nasim Shatarat, Ahmed Ashteyat, Ahmad Al-Khreisat

Institutions: University of Jordan, Politecnico di Milano, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Cairo University

Language: English

Topic: Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400