RC T-beams shear-strengthened with CFRP U-straps around bars passing eye bolts penetrating flange

Some new strengthening schemes with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets have been developed to improve shear behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The current work focuses on one of them, which is suitable for RC T-shaped beams when penetration of flange is allowed. In this scheme, U-shaped straps of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) were wrapped around two bars, one of which passes a series of eye bolts penetrating flanges. The scheme can achieve reliable end-anchorage for U-straps and prevent premature debonding. The test results showed the dominant failure mode changed from the delamination of CFRP to CFRP fracture. In comparison with the control specimens, the shear capacities of the strengthened T-beams were promoted to different degrees, depending on the amount of straps and their distribution. The ductility and stiffness of the upgraded beams were also found enhanced to some extent.