Shear Load Testing of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Strengthened Double Tee Beams in Precast Parking Garage

Abstract

This paper discussed the procedure and results from in-situ load tests performed on strengthened double tee beams in a precast parking garage. The tests were performed to evaluate and confirm the performance of the double tees after the members had been strengthened in shear. Carbon FRP sheets were used as shear reinforcement at a 0/90 degree combination on the stem of each double tee. Load tests were performed on twenty double tees at various locations and floor levels of the parking structure. Each complete load test, including assembling and dismantling of the test equipment, was completed in approximately three hours. Results indicate that the shear strengthening systems increased the capacity of the double tee beams to meet the design load requirements.