50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”

Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

EFFECTS OF ELEVATED TEMPERATURE ON RC BEAMS

EXTERNALLY BONDED WITH CFRP
Dr. Bernardo A. Lejano, Reuben Aaron Flores, El Rey Morales, Marlon Bryan Palisoc
ABSTRACT: The use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) for the rehabilitation and
strengthening of reinforced concrete structures is an innovative alternative that has been
attracting great interest from the scientific and technical community. However, heat related
structural degradation is a major challenge to the safe design of this alternative. For this reason,
a detailed investigation of heat effects on these composites is required before further application
of this system can be deemed effective. This research aims to investigate the effect of elevated
temperatures to the over-all structural performance of RC beams externally bonded with CFRP.
In this study, three types of beam are considered. These are RC, CFRP and CFRP with cement
mortar beams. The heat degradation of these composite materials measured in terms of the loss
in its flexural resistance is evaluated for temperatures of 100 °C and 300 °C and times of
exposure of 1 hour and 2 hours. Specimens investigated to various combinations of these
variables are tested and the results have shown that the flexural strength of CFRP beams is
significantly increased as compared to RC beams. However, the increase in the flexural strength
provided by the CFRP is determined to be ineffective when exposed to various elevated
temperature levels depending on the magnitude of the temperature and its corresponding
duration. Theoretical analysis using equilibrium equations similar to the flexural analysis of a
traditional RC beam is utilized. The comparison of the experimental results with the theoretical
values is presented, along with an investigation of the failure modes.

KEYWORDS: CFRP; Retrofitting; Elevated Temperature; Carbon Fiber

1. INTRODUCTION
Reinforced concrete structures deteriorate over time for reasons such as physical aging, steel
reinforcement corrosion, seismic activity, excessive loading, poor initial design, etc. Nowadays,
strengthening techniques for reinforced concrete members are being utilized not only to correct
critical errors made in the design calculations but also to repair serious damages brought about
by accidental or natural causes. Likewise, strengthening structures by retrofitting reinforced
concrete members can be more practical and economical rather than to rebuild the structure to its
original specifications.

The repair of under-strengthened or damaged reinforced concrete members by the external

bonding of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates is becoming popular in the
construction industry. The use of CFRP laminates for this application offers several desirable
attributes such as resistance to corrosion, high strength, light weight and ease of handling.
Although the use of CFRP to strengthen reinforced concrete members had been studied and
proved to increase the performance of the structural members, there have been inconclusive
remarks regarding the effects of elevated temperature to the member bonded with CFRP.

Deterioration of structural members due to elevated temperature can be manifested in several

instances such as those present in industrial buildings or structures in proximity with fire where
the temperature level can vary from 50 to 300 °C [7]. For that reason, the structural performance
of RC beams and CFRP beams that were exposed to various elevated temperature levels was
analyzed in this study to determine whether the application of CFRP would still be an effective
strengthening method after subjecting to elevated heat. Additional CFRP beams coated with
cement mortar were also tested to know if it is a feasible heat protection for CFRP beams. This
study can be a useful reference to verify the validity of the theories and principles used in
analyzing RC and CFRP beams.

90
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

2. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
2.1 Test Parameters and Scope

The variables considered in this study are the type of beams, temperature level, time of exposure
and number of trials. The dimensions of the beam specimens were designed based on the
available size of the oven. Elevated temperature levels were set according to the conditions
present such as those in proximity with a furnace or burning structures and the drying rooms of a
manufacturing plant. The temperature level was limited to 300 °C due to the constraints present
in the oven temperature level capacity.

The structural performance was based on the following parameters: strain, deflection, ultimate
load, moment capacity and modes of failure. All of which were obtained from the theoretical and
experimental data. Comparative studies were made between the RC and CFRP beams to
determine the changes in the beams’ structural properties.

2.2 Test Preparation and Material Properties

2.2.1 Beam Specimen Design

The design of the beam specimens was singly-reinforced with a target strength of 21 MPa. The
dimension of the beams prepared was 152 mm x 152 mm. The length of the beams was constant
at 900 mm with a concrete cover of 40 mm. The diameter of the reinforcing bars used is 10 mm.
The main reinforcement has a yield strength of 275 MPa. In order to prevent shear failure in the
beams, shear reinforcements were added to the beams. The spacing in the shear reinforcements
was assumed to be 67.5 mm. Refer to Figures 1 and 2 for the sketch of the beam specimen
design.

Figure 1. Specimen Cross-Section

91
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

Figure 2. Specimen Span Length

2.2.2 Mold Forms and Curing

The dimension specified in the specimen design was the basis for the mold forms used. Oil was
applied onto the wooden molds so that the concrete and the mold would not bond together once
the concrete hardens. The concrete prepared was subjected to 28 days of curing.

2.2.3 CFRP Application

Eighteen (18) RC beams were applied with CFRP at its tension face. Before applying the CFRP,
a scaling hammer was used to create a rough surface onto the beam specimens. The resulting
dust particles were removed using a brush. Primer was applied using a roller brush on the
bonding surface of the beam and was allowed to cure for 24 hours. After curing, a coat of epoxy
consisting of thoroughly mixed resin and hardener in 2:1 proportion was applied. A carbon tow
sheet cut to the required dimension of 450 mm in length and 152 mm in width was positioned
afterwards while resin coating was applied. Using a roller brush, the carbon sheet was gently
pressed along the fiber direction to achieve uniform fiber-wetting while removing any air
bubbles. After bonding the carbon fabrics, seven-day resin curing was carried out at ambient
conditions.

2.2.4 Cement Mortar Application

The inclusion of cement mortar in this study served as a fire protection for the CFRP beams. The
cement mortar applied was a mixture of cement, sand, and water. The thickness of the cement
mortar applied is 25.4 mm. It was applied to the exposed layer of CFRP by means of plastering.
A total of eight (8) CFRP beams were covered with cement mortar.

2.3 Heating Setup

The oven used for heating has a maximum temperature capacity of 300°C while its storage
dimensions are 1100 mm x 1100 mm x 330.2 mm (l x w x h). The oven was pre-heated to a
temperature level higher than what is required in order to compensate for the reduction of heat
once the test specimens were loaded. A Type K thermocouple was used to determine the actual
temperature level inside the oven. The temperature level at the top and bottom portion of the

92
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

oven was recorded every twenty (20) minutes. A total of twenty eight (28) beam specimens and
twenty (20) concrete cylinders were heated at temperature level of 100 °C and 300 °C. Figure 3
shows the actual position of the test specimens placed inside the oven.

Figure 3. Test Specimens Position

2.4 Instrumentation and Loading Procedure

2.4.1 Flexural Strength

Testing for the flexural strength of the RC beams before and after being exposed to elevated
temperature was performed by adopting the third-point flexure test using a hydraulic jack. A set
of concrete blocks with steel plates on top acted as the base in the set-up. Rollers were placed
above the base and the beams specimens were placed on top of these rollers in order to simulate
a single point of support. The third-point loading was simulated by placing rollers on top of the
specimen. A steel member was then placed on top of these rollers. The hydraulic jack and the
load cell were placed on top of the steel member. The maximum load before failure was
measured using the data logger which was connected to the load cell. Figure 4 shows the beam
loading set-up for the third-point loading test.

93
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

Load Cell
Hydraulic Jack
Steel Member
Beam Specimen
Concrete Block

Figure 4. Third Point Loading Setup

2.4.2 Strain and Displacement

In this study, a total of four (4) pi gauges were utilized to obtain the strain of the test specimens.
Two (2) pi gauges were used to obtain the strain in the concrete while the other two (2) pi gauges
were used to determine the strain experienced by the steel reinforcement. Pi gauge was used
instead of a strain gauge because the strain gauge might become defective when heated at
elevated temperature. Also, two (2) displacement transducers were placed at the mid height of
the mid span of the beam in order to obtain the vertical displacements of the beam specimens
tested in flexure. Figure 5 shows the location of the pi gauges and displacement transducer in the
flexural test conducted.

Displacement Transducer
Pi Gauge

Figure 5. Location of Pi Gauge and Displacement Transducer

94
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

2.4.3 Concrete and Steel Strength

In determining the concrete strength (f’c) and yield strength of the steel (fy) that comprises the
beam specimens, a series of compressive and tensile strength tests was conducted for the
cylindrical specimens and steel reinforcements using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The
concrete used for the cylindrical specimen was taken from the same batch of concrete mix used
for the beam specimens. The tensile strength of the steel was obtained after the steel was taken
out from the tested beam specimens.

3. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Maximum Load Attained

The beam specimens used in this study were classified according to the manner of heating made
which are the temperature level and time of exposure. The maximum loads were chosen for each
specimen and the average was taken for specimens belonging to the same variables. The percent
decrease in maximum load due to elevated temperature and the increase in maximum load
brought about by the CFRP application are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1. Effect in Maximum Load Attained of CFRP Beam Specimens

Temp.
Duration(hr) % Decrease Due % Increase Due to
Case Level to Temp. CFRP
(°C)
1 - - - 10.30
2 100 1 7.20 3.46
3 100 2 8.86 1.82
4 300 1 10.41 2.35
5 300 2 14.95 0
Based on the obtained results, it is evident that the application of CFRP for flexural
strengthening to the RC beams increased the maximum load capacity of the RC beams by 10.30
% from 40.50 to 45.15 kN under normal temperature level. The increase in the flexural strength
provided by the CFRP is determined to be ineffective and almost comparable to plain RC beams
when exposed to temperature levels of 100 °C and 300 °C because the epoxy adhesive applied
may have started to disintegrate at these temperature levels.

3.2 Load Vs. Deflection Curve

The displacement behavior of the CFRP beams along the elastic region is much lower as
compared to RC beams shown in Figure 6. This illustrates that the application of CFRP causes a
marked increase in stiffness of the beam. The increase in stiffness rapidly decreases as the beams
were subjected to temperature levels of 100 and 300 °C with durations of 1 and 2 hours. Also,
once the CFRP beams reach its respective yield point, the behavior of the load-deflection graph
became erratic.

95
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

Figure 6. Load Vs. Deflection of Controlled RC and CFRP Specimens

3.3 Bending Moment Capacity

The experimental moment is obtained using the moment equation derived from the third point
loading setup. The experimental yielding and ultimate moment is computed by:

⎛ P ⎞⎛ L ⎞
Myexp = ⎜ 1 ⎟⎜ ⎟ (1)
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ 3 ⎠

⎛ P ⎞⎛ L ⎞
Muexp = ⎜ 2 ⎟⎜ ⎟ (2)
⎝ 2 ⎠⎝ 3 ⎠
where P1 is the load at yielding while P2 is the load when the strain in the extreme compression
fiber reaches the value 0.003.

The theoretical yielding and nominal moment is derived using the concept of elastic and inelastic
bending of a singly-reinforced rectangular concrete beam [8]-[10]. The total compressive force
due to concrete is equated with the total tensile force due to the steel reinforcement and carbon
fiber sheet. The established equations are:

Mytheo = Asfsjd + Afff (jd + h – d) (3)

(4)
Mntheo = Asfs (d – a/2) + Afff ( h – a/2)

96
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

where Asfs is the area and yield strength of steel reinforcement, Afff is the area and yield strength
of carbon fiber sheet, jd is the moment arm, h is the height of the beam, d is the effective depth
and a is the depth of concrete stress block.

The ratio between the experimental and theoretical moments was also obtained to validate the
reliability of the concepts being followed in the flexural analysis of the RC and CFRP beams.
The graph in Fig. 7 presents the comparison between the experimental and theoretical yielding
moments obtained for 300 ºC heat exposure For RC beams, the theoretical formulas applied are
conservative. On the other hand, the theoretical moments computed for CFRP beams are
considerably higher than the obtained experimental moments thus produces a problem in the
validity of the applied formulas.

Figure 7. Yielding Moment Vs. Duration

3.4 Failure Modes

RC beams strengthened externally by CFRP sheets loaded in bending have been noted to fail in
two modes. For controlled CFRP beams and CFRP beams exposed to 100°C, the failure is due to
concrete cover separation propagating from the CFRP cut off near the supports. For CFRP beams
exposed to 300°C, debonding of CFRP occurred which decreased the bending capacity of the
beam to almost comparable to the bending capacity of plain RC beams.

In the type of failure developed in the CFRP beams, the concrete strength also plays an important
role in the prevention of concrete cover separation. With a higher concrete strength, concrete to
concrete bond would be greater, thus preventing the peeling of concrete.

4. CONCLUSION

The structural performance of reinforced concrete beams externally bonded with CFRP has been
investigated at high temperatures. The results obtained are summarized as follows:
The application of CFRP to the extreme tension fiber of the RC beams increases the
flexural strength by 10.30 % under normal temperature level. However, the increase in strength
provided by the CFRP is determined to be ineffective when exposed to temperature levels of 100
°C and 300 °C with exposure times of 1 and 2 hours due to the significant decrease in the
maximum load attained ranging from 7.20 % to 14.95 %. Applying a protective covering of

97
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

cement mortar contributes a minor improvement of 1.41 % to 3.52 % in the strength of CFRP
beams exposed to elevated temperatures.

The deflections along the elastic region of the CFRP beams are much lower as compared to
RC beams. The application of CFRP provided a significant increase in the stiffness of the RC
beams producing a higher value of the maximum load attained. Conversely, the load versus
deflection behavior of the CFRP beams becomes erratic once it reaches the yield point within the
inelastic region.

The CFRP beams have noted to fail through concrete cover separation propagating from
the CFRP cut off near the supports under normal to 100 °C exposure while debonding of CFRP
occurred at 300°C exposure causing the partial utilization of the CFRP strength.
REFERENCES

Triantafillou, T. C., Veneziano, D., & Plevris, N. (1995). Reliability of RC Members Strengthened with
FRP Laminates. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 121, 1037-1043.

El-Mihilmy, T.M., & Tedesco, J.W. (1999). Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with
FRP Laminates. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 126, 684-691.

Newhook, J., Ghali, A., & Tadros, G. (2002). Cracking and Deformability of Concrete Flexural Sections
with Fiber Reinforced Polymer. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 128, 1195-1201.

Lee, K. & Al-Mahaidi, R. (2003). Strength and Failure Mechanism of RC T-Beams Strengthened with
CFRP Plates. FRPRCS, 247-251.

Li, A., Assih, J., & Delmas, Y. (2001). Shear Strengthening of RC Beams with Externally Bonded CFRP
Sheets. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 121, 374-380.

GangaRao, H. V.S., & Vijay, P. V. (1995). Bending Behavior of Concrete Beams wrapped with Carbon
Fabric. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 124, 3-10.

China Labor Watch. (2005) The Kohler Company’s Factory in Foshan, China: Dangerous Working
Conditions, Long Hours and Little Pay.
[Online].Available: http://www.chinalaborwatch.org/investigations/2005_06_02/kohlerreport.pdf

Estanero, R.A., Reinforced Concrete Principles, 4th Ed.

Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (2001). National Structural Code of the
Philippines NSCP, Vol. I, 5th Ed.

Norris, T., & Saadatmanesh, H., & Ehsani, M. R. (1997). Shear and Flexural Strengthening of RC Beams
with Carbon Fiber Sheets. Journal of Structural Engineering, Vol. 123, 903-911

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dr. Bernardo Lejano earned his Doctorate Degree in Engineering at Nihon University in Japan. He is
currently an associate professor at the De La Salle University-Manila, Civil Engineering Department. He
may be contacted for queries via email at bernardo.lejano@dlsu.edu.ph.

Reuben Aaron Flores, El Rey Morales and Marlon Bryan Palisoc obtained their Bachelor of Science in
Civil Engineering with specialization in Structural Engineering at the De La Salle University-Manila. El
Rey and Marlon took and passed the recent May 2011 Civil Engineering licensure examinations. El Rey
is currently a Structural Engineer at Hyder Consulting Middle East Ltd. Reuben will be taking the board
exam this coming November 2011.

98
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to the following individuals whose support made
this study possible: To the officials of Sika Philippines most especially to Mr. Harry Ng who facilitated the
required CFRP for the study. To the faculty and staff of the Civil Engineering Department, DLSU, Manila for their
invaluable help and assistance, as well as their moral support.

APPENDIX A – PHOTO DOCUMENTATION OF EXPERIMENTS

A1. Preparation of mold forms for

concrete pouring A2. Test specimens after curing

A3. Creating a rough surface using a A4. Preparation of CFRP

scaling hammer

A5. Application of CFRP to the A6. Applying epoxy adhesive to the

beams CFRP

A7. Preparation of cement mortar A8. Beam specimens after application of 99

cement mortar
 50th ASEP Anniversary International Convention & Exposition, “Safer, Smarter & Greener”
Technical Proceedings ISSN 1656-7757, September 28-30, 2011 Makati City, Philippines

A9. Preparation of heating equipment A10. Thermocouple used for obtaining the
temperature level of oven

A11. Preparation for testing of beams for

flexural strength A12. Data Logger used in obtaining the
results of the flexural test

A13. Compressive test for concrete A14. Tensile test for steel reinforcement

100