Influence of the Modulus of Elasticity of CFRPs on the Compressive Behavior of Confined Test Pieces and on the Flexural Behavior of Short Concrete Beams

Abstract

In this study, we compare the behavior of confined compression-tested concrete test pieces and short concrete beams subjected to three-point flexural strength testing when they are reinforced with high-modulus, high-strength carbon fibers reinforced polymers (CFRP). The fabrics used have roughly the same mechanical capacity but very different rigidities. As such, the results make it possible to obtain the influence of the rigidity of the CFRP on the structural behavior of the elements tested. The results obtained show that the type of fabric used does not cause significant differences in the values of tension of rupture and the form of rupture of the test pieces subjected to compression and flexural strength testing, which suggests that the variable which determines the mechanical response of the elements which have been reinforced and subjected to these kinds of demands is the mechanical capacity of the reinforcement, not its rigidity.