State-of-the-art review of Strengthening of RC Beam in Shear by Near Surface Mounting Technique

Strengthening of RC members like slabs, columns and slabs have been done using Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials since last three decades. A lot of research is undergoing to ensure durability strength and long life to the deteriorated or distressed RC structural members. Use of FRP laminates and bars made from Glass, Carbon, Aramid fibers have proven its worth. A recently developed natural fiber derived from Basalt rock which is widely used as fire proof material owing its thermal properties is fabricated in form of bars and strips and have been used in strengthening of RC members. Glass, Carbon and Basalt fiber laminates have been used to strengthen RC members like beam in flexure and shear through external bonding. However, the delaminating of these laminates depends largely upon its surface preparation. This has resulted in development of near surface mounting (NSM) techniques which involves avoids the delaminating. Glass fiber bars and strips have been largely used to strengthen RC beams using NSM technique in flexure and shear. Some studies have also been conducted for investigating flexural strengthening of RC beams in flexure using this technique. The paper presented here describes a detailed review of those works and it is observed from the review that investigation still needs to be conducted in area of shear strengthening of distressed RC members by using basalt bars and strips through NSM technique.