Strengthening of Hollow Core Prestressed Slabs Using CFRP Laminates.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Egyptian Armed Forces.

2 College of Engineering Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

Abstract Hollow core prestressed slabs is one of the commonly used floor systems, especially for structures with large spans. This is due to the fact that it offers minimum weight for the concrete floor in addition to speed of construction. Upgrading of these slabs is required to increase their ultimate carrying capacity and/or their serviceability. This paper presents an experimental program conducted to study the flexural behavior of hollow core prestressed slabs strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced polymer, (CFRP), laminates. The program consists of testing nine precast slabs with 4.8 m span, 200 mm thickness and 1.2 m width. The slabs were tested under monotonic four-points loading up to failure. The variables in the test program were: type of CFRP laminates (strips with 1.2 mm thickness and sheets with 0.38 mm thickness) and reinforcement ratio of CFRP laminates. Different anchorage systems are suggested to enhance the bond strength between the concrete and CFRP. An analytical model based on the mechanical characteristics of both the concrete andCFRP was adopted to predict the behavior of slabs. Different recommendations and design guidelines for hollow core prestressed slabs strengthened by CFRP laminates are introduced.

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