Strengthening of Reinforced and Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Structures

Abstract

The use of composite materials for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (r.c.) and prestressed concrete structures is among the most renowned and widely spread application of strengthening systems with these materials in the buildings industry.

There are several reasons why the strengthening of these structures can be required, ranging from the adaptation of preexisting structures in compliance with new safe working loads or new technical regulations, or it can become necessary following damage to the structural elements due to the oxidation of preexisting reinforcements or other kinds of incidental damages. The strengthening of an r.c. structure can involve all its constituents, beams, pillars, partitions, and deckings, or the strengthening of its structural elements can be required following flexural demands, either shear, normal stress, or both.

This chapter deals with the techniques of reinforcement of r.c. structures. It analyzes the method of calculating reinforcement systems and the most common applications.