Abstract
Abstract:An investigation of the behaviour of reinforced concrete beams repaired with steel
plates at its soffit is presented in this paper. Reinforced concrete beams were preloaded
to 85 % of their ultimate capacity and subsequently repaired by bonding steel
plates of different widths. Different widths of steel plates were used in order to
determine the width-to-thickness ratio that will promote ductile behaviour. It is shown
that strengthening of significantly cracked beams by bonding steel plates is possible
and beams can be restored to stiffness and strength values superior to those of the
original unplated beams.