New type of CFRP reinforcement and technique for the flexural strengthening of RC balconies

The present work assesses the potentialities of a new carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) bar, applied according to a hybrid technique for the flexural strengthening of cantilever type reinforced concrete (RC) structures, such as the case of RC balconies. The CFRP bar is formed by an inclined extremity that is inserted into a hole according to the embedded through section (ETS) technique, a part that is applied according to the near-surface mounted (NSM) technique, and a transition zone between these two parts. The anchorage conditions of the ETS part of the CFRP bar allow limiting the strengthening intervention to the cantilever zone of the balcony, with an almost null intrusion to the interior of the building.