LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, a post-tension near-surface mounted (NSM) strengthening system is proposed to strengthening concrete structures with a relatively low amount of labor, without altering their appearance or dimensions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the flexural behavior of a prestressed concrete (PSC) girder using post-tension NSM strengthening systems. Two 21.8-m full-scale PSC girders were fabricated . The behavior of the girders was examined through a four-point loading test up to failure. The test results demonstrated that the post-tension NSM strengthening system was an effective method of increasing the flexural capacity. A finite element analysis model was also developed and verified against a full-scale test result. In addition, parametric studies were conducted to investigate the effects of the prestressing force and the number of grooves in the NSM strengthening system on the behavior of a test unit by nonlinear finite element analyses.