Effect of shear span-to-depth ratio on shear strengthening of beams with CFRP

Abstract

This research investigates the often-neglected area of enhancing the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites, specifically focusing on the impact of the Shear Span-to-Depth (a/d) ratio. Shear capacity is a crucial factor in structural design, and the use of CFRP composites provides a promising solution for its improvement. However, there is still a research gap in optimizing the effectiveness of CFRP, particularly when it comes to the a/d ratio. To achieve this, an experimental program was executed which involved testing two concrete beams with varying a/d ratio as part of a comprehensive research plan. The CFRP rods were bonded externally to the shear critical regions of the beams to assess their effectiveness in improving shear capacity. The study examined the impact of varying Shear Span-to-Depth ratios on reinforced concrete beams. a/d ratio of four performed best, emphasizing its significance in optimizing real-world performance