Tests of FRP-strengthened RC beams under low velocity impact

Reinforced concrete beams strengthened externally with FRP plates were tested to investigate the dynamic response and failure modes of such beams under high mass and low velocity impact. The tests were conducted using a drop-weight apparatus, and different combinations of impact velocity and impact interface conditions were considered. The test instrumentation included the time histories of the impact force, reaction forces, strains on the FRP plates, and deflections at selected locations, whilst the damage and failure process in the critical region was recorded using a high speed camera. This paper presents the experimental programme and the main test results. Debonding of the FRP plates was observed as a dominant failure mode, and this phenomenon and its implications on the effectiveness of the particular strengthening method against impact are discussed.