CFRP Strengthening of RC Beams with Multiple Openings Subjected to Static and Impact Loads

The provision of openings in serviceable reinforced concrete beams may result in a substantial decline in the beam's capacity and integrity, indicating the necessity of opening strengthening. The present study investigates the experimental response of reinforced concrete T-beams with multiple web-strengthened openings disposed in shear span to static and impact loads. Fourteen RC T-beams were tested in two groups, each of seven beams. The first group was tested under static loading up to failure, while the second group was tested under repeated impact loading until the width of shear cracks reached 0.3 mm. The residual static strengths of the beams subjected to impact loading were then determined. The test variables considered were: number of web openings, the method used to strengthen the member at openings and the height of drop during impact tests. All beams were simply supported with load applied at mid – span. Static results indicated that T-beams with four and six un-strengthened web circular openings whose diameter is 48% of the web depth have strength capacities less than those without openings by 30% and 41%, respectively. However, strengthening of webs results in an increase in the strength capacities ranging between 27% and 92%, depending on the type of strengthening. Impact results indicated that the beam with four openings did not show a remarkable increase in the maximum mid-span deflection compared with the solid beam, while that with six openings showed an increase in the maximum mid-span deflections by about 75% greater than the maximum mid-span deflection of the solid beam. Strengthening of specimens could overcome the increase in deflections.