Rehabilitation of RC flexural members in shear with externally bonded fiber-reinforced polymer composites: present status and future need

The present study gives an up-to-date, state-of-the-art review of the application of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites as an external shear strengthening material for reinforced concrete (RC) flexural members. Based on the critical review of more than a hundred experimental studies, this study discusses the influence of different parameters on the shear behavior of FRP strengthened RC beams. In addition, the present study discusses some of the widely used existing design guidelines for the prediction of the shear contribution of FRP composites. Along with these, this study also briefly discourses the application of numerical methods and soft-computing tools in the field of rehabilitation of shear-deficient RC flexural members using EB-FRP composites. Based on the parametric investigation, the current study empowers readers to recognize the existing gaps in the literature that should be examined in the future. Finally, the article concludes by summarizing key points of the shear strengthening of RC beams comprising FRP composites.

Automated summary

This study reviews the latest application of FRP composites as shear strengthening material for RC flexural members, discusses the influence of different parameters on the shear behavior of RC beams, and examines existing design guidelines and the use of numerical methods and soft-computing tools for rehabilitation of shear-deficient RC flexural members.