Experimental tests on RC walls with openings strengthened by FRP

Functional modifications of the old structures are common because existing structures must often be adapted to comply with current living standards. Such modifications may include the addition of new windows or doors and paths for ventilation and heating systems, all of which require openings to be cut into structural walls. The purpose of this experimental program is to investigate the behaviour of two-way RC walls with openings and strengthened by FRP. Nine half scale RC walls with two opening configurations, i.e. small and large door opening, were subjected to a uniformly distributed axial load with a small eccentricity. The paper presents the results of the experimental programme such as the ultimate capacity and deflection profiles. Moreover, the influence of the opening and the strengthening contribution to the overall capacity was also assessed and presented in this paper.Godkänd; 2015; 20150921 (cospop