Experimental Study of Cyclic Loading Behaviors of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthening with Externally Bonded Steel Frame

Two large impaired reinforced concrete beams with pre-loading cracks were strengthened by the externally bonded steel frame composed with bottom steel plate and side hoop steel belts. The cyclic loading behaviors of these beams were tested to verify the effectiveness of this strengthening method specified in current Chinese design code. Based on the analyses of test results, the steel plate worked well with bonded concrete under normal service load, the hoop steel belts were necessary to prevent the peeling of bottom steel plate. The strengthened beams were effectively enhanced in flexural stiffness and ultimate resistance, and no new cracks appeared under the normal service load.