The behavior of reinforced lightweight concrete beams with initial cracks

This research examines the performance of reinforced lightweight concrete beams subjected to several degrees of damage (50%, 60%, 70%, and 100%). It can use a sheet made of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) to reinforce. The Full U-wrapping rehabilitation method was tested in the presented experimental program. In this method, CFRP sheets are attached to the bottom only and the side and bottom of the beam section. Experiments proved that the service load (Ps) increases by 7.06 % from a damage level of 50 % to 70 %, rises by 1.21 % from a damage level of 60 % to 70 %, and falls by 3.07 % from a damage level of 100 %. The result also rose for the fortified sample by 11.99%. Increases of 42.67 %, 33.07 %, and 23.73 % in the stiffness ratio (k) were observed at damage intensities of 50, 60, and 70 %, respectively. Damage at lower severity levels is increasing at a faster rate. The ductility of the restored LWC beams is more excellent than the control, as with the stiffness. Damage levels of 50%, 60%, and 70% saw increased ductility of 35.60, 34.92, and 34.69 %, respectively.