LAUSR

ABSTRACT Optimisation of CFRP shear strip in presence of connectors/anchors is the current interest to reduce retrofitting cost of structures. The main aim of this research was to propose design guideline considering strain compatibility nature between shear reinforcement and externally bonded CFRP laminate to optimise the dimension of CFRP laminate for shear strengthening of RC beam in presence of embedded connectors. The guideline had been experimentally verified through the structural investigations on five reinforced concrete beams. Results showed that the proposed guideline with connectors reduced the dimension of CFRP laminate significantly. The optimal strengthened beams had shown the highest flexural capacities, maximum ductility and cost effective structural performances. Shear reinforcement and externally bonded CFRP laminate had shown identical nature of strains until shear crack and micro debonding of laminate. The optimal strengthened beams with connector did not fail by shear or debonding of laminates prior to theoretical design shear capacities of beams. The design shear capacities of optimal strengthened beams (182 kN) were very close to those of flexural failure loads (181 kN and 184 kN). Overall experimental results satisfactorily verified the proposed design guideline.