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ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
From the above discussion we can conclude that the three main weaknesses of
RCC structures that requires attention are:
Loss of reinforcement due to corrosion
Lack of confinement in concrete especially at the joints.
Deterioration of concrete due to attack of multiple environmental
agencies.
An alternative to the post tensioning method is the use of epoxy bonded steel
plates(Fig 2). This alleviates the main difficulties of using the post-
tensioning method -anchorage and lateral stability. This method has been
applied to increase the carrying capacity of existing structures and to
repair damaged structures as well. Several field applications of the epoxy
bonded steel plate have been reported recently. In South Africa, the
reinforcing steel of a few beams was accidentally omitted. These beams were
strengthened with epoxy-bonded steel plates at the tension face (Dussek,
1980). Several cracked slabs and girders of the elevated highway bridges in
Japan have been repaired using this method (Maeda et al., 1980). A number of
damaged reinforced concrete bridges in Poland and erstwhile USSR have been
repaired by bonding steel plates The main advantage of using this method in
repairing bridges is that it does not need closing down of the traffic during
the repair.
The main advantages of carbon fiber composite laminates have been found to be
Meier and Kaiser ( 1991) have reported the performance of CFC laminates in
post-strengthening of cracked concrete beams. The load deflection graph of a
post strengthened beam has been compared with that of an unstrengthened beam
in Figure 5. It was observed that a 0.3 mm thick CFC laminate has doubled the
ultimate load of a 15O x 200 beam of 2m span. They also have presented an
account of the failure modes in such beams. It is observed that the tensile
failure of the laminate occurred suddenly with a sharp explosive snap.
However, it was announced in advance by cracking sound. They stressed on the
importance of an even bonding surface and guarding against shear cracks. They
also have indicated the high potential of such repair work in wood and other
metal structures and in prestressed girders as well.
The first repair work of a concrete bridge using CFC laminates has been
carried out at Ibach Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland (Meier and Deuring, 1991,
Meier 1988). The 228m long bridge was designed as a continuous beam of span
39m Several prestressing tendons of the bridge were accidentally severed
preventing the bridge to operate at its full capacity. The bridge was
repaired with a 2mm thick 150mm wide CFRP laminate. It was found that the
repair work became particularly easy due to the use of composite materials.
Owing to its light weight 175 kg steel could be replaced by only 6.2 kg of
CFC. As a result the work could be carried out from a traveling hydraulic
lift and the cost of scaffolding could be avoided The composite is held in
position by means of a vacuum bag, thereby avoiding pressers required in case
of steel plates. Although CFC was 40 times more expensive than steel plates,
it was estimated that the process saved 20% in cost. The potential or use or
CFCs in suspension cables or bridges is also discussed by Meier (1991).
Brown and Bartholomew (1993) observed that the FRC reinforced bars behaved
the same way as the steel reinforced bars. However, the FRC bars have much
less elastic modulus. Therefore, deflection was the limiting criterion in
case of FRC reinforced beams. FRPC bars are also used as reinforcement in
slabs in the form of composite grids by Danthia et al. ( 1995) and Ahmad et
al ( 1994). Dutta and Daily ( 1995) outlined typical tests that have to be
carried out on grid frame and grid reinforced concrete. Banthia et al. (
1995) compared the behavior of concrete slabs reinforced with FRPC grids to
that of a slab reinforced with steel grid. The ultimate loads supported by
slabs reinforced with FRPC were equal to or higher than that supported by the
companion slab reinforced with steel. It was concluded that, no significant
changes are needed to the various code equations when extending them to slabs
reinforced with FRPC reinforcement. Ahmad et al. (1994) presented results of
punching shear behavior of concrete slabs reinforced with 3D continuous
carbon fiber fabric under central concentrated load. Test results revealed
that the carbon fiber reinforced concrete slabs exhibited a significant non-
linear behavior and reduction in stiffi1ess in the post cracking stage.
Kim and Meier (1991) and Meier (1995) have reviewed the applicability of FRCs
in cable stayed bridges. McKay and Erki ( 1993) have experimented on the use
of aramid fiber tendons on the post-tensioning of concrete beams Meier (1987)
has observed that use of FRC cables would allow tripling of limiting span of
cable stayed bridges in comparison to steel wires.
Faza and Ganga Rao (1994) suggested wrapping around damaged concrete elements
to improve the strength of these members. Li et al. (1992) developed semi-
empirical expressions to predict the mechanical behavior of wrapped
compression members. Wrapping can be applied to strengthen concrete beams in
compression and shear. Michael et al. ( 1995) have reported a study on
composite fabric wraps in concrete beams. Mirmiran and Shahaway ( 1996) have
tested the strength or concrete filled hollow FRC sections for compressive
strength.
APPLICATION IN INDIA
CLOSING REMARKS
From the above discussion it can be observed that the fiber reinforced
composites are a very attractive proposition for repair and upgradation of
damaged concrete structures. However, the success of the method depends on
several factors.
Understanding mechanics - The mechanics of FRC is fundamentally
different from other construction materials. Therefore, one needs to
understand the material before its use. A large body of research work
exists. However, an efficient dissemination of knowledge is of utmost
importance.
Availability of design methods - The design methods are already
developed. However, they need wider publicity and possible inclusion in
Indian Standards.