Analytical estimation of the measured response of SRP and CFRP strengthened beams

The paper reports tests on thirteen (R/C) beam full-scale specimens, strengthened using Steel Reinforced Polymers (SRP) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP). Five specimens represent the middle part of the span of a continuous beam and eight specimens represent the support region of a continuous beam strengthened against flexure or shear. All strength levels, including yield strength, debonding strength and final strength that were recorded during the test of these specimens are analytically estimated using equations based on basic principles of mechanics, as well as equations adopted by code-type documents like Eurocode 8-Part 3 and ACI 440.2R-08. Comparisons of analytically predicted strengths with experimentally measured values have shown that equations developed for FRP-strengthened beams can also be used for SRP-strengthened members. An interesting finding was that the increase in the effective strength of polymer-strengthened beams related to the presence of flexural cracks was closely related to the span length along which the bending moment has constant value.