Flexural Performance of Repaired RC Beams with Grouting and GFRP Sheet Equipped with Anchors

Abstract

In this study, an experiment was performed on flexural behavior of RC beam that experienced spalling due to corrosion. The spalled concrete was repaired using grouted mortar, while the lost reinforcement area was replaced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sheets. The effectiveness of these repairs relied heavily on the bond between the existing and new concrete, ensuring no delamination occurred under maximum load. To enhance this bond, connectors or dyna-bolt anchors were incorporated into the joint area. Eight RC beam were prepared, each with a cross-section of 150 mm x 200 mm and length of 3300 mm, consisting of 1) two existing beams (BE), 2) two beams repaired with grouting and GFRP sheet (BGS), 3) two beams with grouting, GFRP sheet, and the addition of 4 anchors (BGS-DN4), and 4) two beams with grouting, GFRP sheet, and the addition of 8 anchors (BGS-DN8). The repaired area was 2700 mm long and 50 mm thick, and then flexural testing using four-point loads was conducted on all specimens. The results showed that RC beam repaired with mortar grouting and GFRP sheets, along with the inclusion of 4 dyna-bolt anchors in the connection area (BGS-DN4), could increase the maximum load by 61% compared to BE. This repair method improved the bond between the existing concrete and the repair material, effectively preventing delamination.