Conclusions
This paper presents the result of five RC beams strengthened in
shear with externally bonded AA plates with different orientations
and spacing. Based on this investigation the following observations
and conclusions can be made:
1. Aluminum alloy plates can be used to externally strengthen
reinforced concrete beams in shear. Based on the result of this
investigation, the increase in shear capacity ranged between
24% and 89%. Therefore, using Aluminum plates is a highly
effective technique in increasing the beam shear capacity.
2. Orientation of AA plates, as external strengthening material, has
a major effect on the load-carrying capacity of the strengthened
RC beams. As observed, the 45 AA plate orientation is more
effective than the 90 plate orientation in increasing the beam’s
shear capacity. However, this conclusion is valid for gravity
loads or loads applied vertically downward as is the case in this
test setting.