
The
signals were captured using HBM’s
MGCplus with three AP815i modules for the strain gages while an AP801 module was used for the laser sensors. Load and displacement signals were detected by a 250 kN actuator. HBM’s
catman®APdata acquisition software was used to analyze the results.
Traditional beam theory was used to calculate the reinforced beam bending forces and these were subsequently compared with the data obtained from the tests. This enabled the
general equation for doubly-reinforced concrete beams and beams reinforced with external laminates such as fiber-reinforced polymers to be
modified to give more accurate estimations for
deformationεdb (deformation blast-off).
Future tests may also utilize gages attached to the laminated embedded on the tension face of beams.