Serviceability of corroded reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer sheets

Eight chloride-contaminated reinforced concrete (RC) specimens were tested to investigate the serviceability of RC beams strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and exposed to a corrosive environment. One specimen was corroded without strengthening, and the other seven specimens were strengthened and corroded. Three strengthening schemes were applied; a) The first involved wrapping the specimen with CFRP sheets and flexural strengthening by bonding a CFRP sheet to the tension face, b) The second involved wrapping the specimen and anchoring this wrap, and c) The third involved specimen wrapping with anchorage and flexural strengthening. All specimens were tested in four-point bending up to the service load level, before and after corrosion. Test results showed that the use of CFRP sheets to strengthen RC beams experiencing main reinforcement corrosion is an efficient technique that can maintain the structural integrity of these beams and enhance their serviceability.