Reinforcement of reinforced concrete beams using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) in Peru

Reinforced concrete beams in Peru are frequently affected by deterioration due to corrosion, structural overloads, and seismic activity, compromising their integrity and durability. In this context, there is a need to explore innovative and sustainable solutions to improve their performance. This study evaluates the potential of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a reinforcement alternative, aiming to enhance their strength and durability. Reinforced concrete beams of 15x15x52 cm were tested for flexure, made with 7.9% Portland Type I cement, 4.3% water, 22.4% fine aggregate, and 19% coarse aggregate. The reinforcement was applied with externally bonded CFRP. The tests were conducted at the Pachacamac laboratory of San Ignacio de Loyola University. The concrete mix design was performed using the ACI method, considering the theoretical quantities to produce one cubic meter of concrete in a saturated surface dry state. The results indicate that the beam without reinforcement operates at 35.24% of its load capacity, while the beam with CFRP reinforcement operates at 78.36%. This shows that the reinforced beam is closer to its failure limit, although it still maintains a smaller safety margin than the beam without reinforcement. This research contributes to civil engineering knowledge in Peru by providing a comprehensive evaluation of the use of CFRP as reinforcement in reinforced concrete beams.