Strengthening concrete structures using fibre composites

Rehabilitation of concrete structures using advanced composite fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials has rapidly gained momentum due to the economic and structural benefits offered by such solutions. In 2000, The Concrete Society published its technical report TR55, the world's first best practice guidance on strengthening concrete structures using advanced composite materials in line with British design codes. This document has gained acceptance nationally and in many other parts of the world. Due to the rapid evolution of strengthening techniques, materials and theoretical models of behaviour, the guidelines have been updated for publication in 2004 in order to reflect the current state of the art and best practice. In particular, the chapters dealing with flexural, shear and column strengthening have been substantially revised to reflect latest research findings. Details of the main proposed changes are given in this paper. Design guidance on the use of new techniques such as near surface-mounted (NSM) reinforcement, prestressed FRP and anchorage techniques have also been introduced into the guidelines and are summarised in the paper. The design aspects are backed up with examples of the latest applications of the various strengthening techniques and materials