Retrofitting fiber-reinforced concrete beams with nano-graphene oxide and CFRP sheet: an experimental study

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the effectiveness of retrofitting fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) beams using nano-graphene oxide (GO) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The primary goal is to evaluate the combined effect of GO and CFRP sheets on the mechanical performance of FRC beams. The experimental program involved preparing and testing multiple concrete beam specimens, with some retrofitted using GO and CFRP sheets. The principal results indicate that the integration of GO significantly enhances the compressive and tensile strength of concrete. Additionally, the application of CFRP sheets markedly improves the flexural strength and ductility of the beams. The retrofitted specimens exhibited higher load-bearing capacity and greater deformation before failure compared to control specimens. The significant conclusions drawn from this study are that the combined use of GO and CFRP sheets provides a synergistic effect, improving the overall mechanical performance of FRC beams. However, failure modes such as debonding and delamination of CFRP sheets highlight the need for optimization in bonding techniques and materials. The primary research outcomes demonstrate that retrofitting FRC beams with GO and CFRP sheets is a promising approach for enhancing the structural performance. This study underscores the potential of advanced materials in structural retrofitting and provides insights for future research to address observed failure modes and further improve the retrofitting techniques.