BEHAVIOR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BRACKETS STRENGTHENED WITH DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES

This study includes strengthening and testing of eight reinforced concrete brackets with different techniques. The experimental variables considered in the test program include strengthening type (external, internal, and repair), plate type (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plate (CFRP), CFRP bar, and steel plate), plate orientation, and plate dimensions. The greatest load and the deflection of samples are compared to the control sample. The cracking and mode of failure under static loading are studied. It was found that (CFRP) plate is an effective strategy for strengthening reinforced concrete bracket. The greatest load carrying capacity is increased from 32% to 124%. Strengthening the samples by preparing C4 sample gives the best outcomes. This may be according to the alignment of the CFRP plate being orthogonal with respect to the prepared cracks.