Synergistic Enhancement of RCC Beam Performance Using Epoxy Grouting and CFRP Wrapping: A Sustainable Approach to Structural Repair and Strengthening

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

Department of Civil Engineering, Marwadi University, Rajkot, India

Abstract

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) structures experience progressive deterioration and cracking, which reduces their service lifetime and durability characteristics. The research investigates a dual repair method that incorporates epoxy grouting together with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) wrapping for restoring and reinforcing RCC beams. Epoxy injection works as an internal crack treatment while CFRP wrapping reinforces structures from the outside. A critical assessment determines the joint effect of the methods on structural properties while filling a research gap because past studies evaluated them separately. In the experimental study, six RCC beams were tested under different loading conditions and different wrapping configurations, including bottom-only, U-shaped, and end-strip enhanced CFRP patterns. The results shows that the combined method significantly improves both crack resistance as well as load carrying capacity. The U-shaped wrapping provided 80% more load capacity, whereas end strips enhanced strength capability up to 140% relative to standard wrapping methods. When using two-point loading, it yields superior outcomes compared to single-point loading specimens due to optimal load distribution. The results demonstrate that the epoxy–CFRP hybrid technique provides a durable, efficient, and sustainable method for strengthening RCC members. This repair technique provides useful benefits for infrastructure maintenance purposes, especially when structures become old or show signs of damage. The study also lays a foundation for further exploration into optimized wrapping configurations under varying environmental and loading conditions.

Graphical Abstract

Synergistic Enhancement of RCC Beam Performance Using Epoxy Grouting and CFRP Wrapping: A Sustainable Approach to Structural Repair and Strengthening

Highlights

  • A hybrid method that combined epoxy grouting and CFRP wrapping to repair and strengthen RCC Beam.
  • Experimental study of beams compares the behaviour in terms of load vs deflection due to various patterns in the application of CFRP and the different arrangement of loadings.
  • The structural integrity increased both with and without cracks on reinforced concrete beam structures.
  • The hybrid technique creates a cost-effective and strong solution for maintaining old RCC infrastructure.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 August 2025

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