SHEAR PERFORMANCE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS STRENGTHENED WITH AN INNOVATIVE EMBEDDED THROUGH-SECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

Deep embedment (DE) or embedded through-section (ETS) technique is one of the modern strengthening technique for enhancing shear performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The purpose of this research is to investigate the shear behavior of RC beams strengthened by glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars using ETS technique. An experimental program will be constructed in nine beams to appraise the shear capacity of eight ETS-strengthened beams and one reference beam. To investigate the shear performance of the ETS-strengthened beams, the important parameters consist of the varied shear span to effective depth ratios (a/d) and two types of mechanical anchorages (steel and GFRP anchorages). The results in the shear strength capacity, cracking and failure mechanism, and shear deformation of the ETS-strengthened beams will be analyzed. In addition, the estimation of the shear capacity will be proposed based on existing shear models and the accuracy of the estimation will be made by comparing with the actual capacity from the tests.