Moment Redistribution in Continuous RC Elements Top Strengthened with CFRP and Steel Plates

Abstract

The main purpose of this research project was to investigate the moment redistribution in RC continuous beams when flexurally strengthened at the hogging zones only. All current codes and guidelines neglect MR in plated flexural members. Previous research regarding MR in continuous beams with flexural strengthening had focused on the redistribution of moments from the hogging to the sagging zones, that was through strengthening the beams at the sagging regions only, or at both the sagging and hogging zones simultaneously. However, the current strengthening needs for inaccessible structures may entail strengthening only at the hogging side. Therefore, this study introduces a detailed experimental, and numerical investigation to assess the MR of top strengthened RC continuous beams using different strengthening techniques.